Stadsgårdshissen

Stadsgårdshissen is a transport elevator in Stockholm that connects the busy Slussen interchange at street level to the elevated residential neighborhood of Södermalm. The tower rises dramatically to bridge a significant height difference, allowing pedestrians to move easily between these two distinct urban levels.

A steam-powered lift first opened in 1881, followed by a rebuilt tower structure in 1907. After major renovation work spanning several decades, the facility reopened to the public in 2023.

The elevator shapes how people move through this steep part of the city, serving both locals and visitors who need to cross the dramatic height difference. It remains woven into daily routines as a practical link between two very different urban layers.

The elevator is easiest to reach from Slussen metro station, which has several train lines and sits just a short walk from the tower entrance. The facility is accessible on foot from the bridge area, making it simple for visitors to integrate into a walking tour of the neighborhood.

When the original lift first operated, passengers paid different fares depending on whether they traveled up or down, a surprising pricing method from that era. This reflected the difficulty and cost of operating the steam-powered machinery in different directions.