Circus Roncalli rolls onto the rails

After a two-year break, the time has finally come: the famous Circus Roncalli is returning to Vienna. Once again, the Cologne-based company is relying on the customised logistics solutions of the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) to transport the 2.060 tonnes of circus equipment and the blue-and-white striped Grand Chapiteau.

With its new 'ARTistART' programme, Circus Roncalli will be performing on Vienna's Rathausplatz from 11 September to 6 October 2024. The decision to use rail underlines the company's commitment to traditional logistics routes. “We are one of the few remaining circus companies that still rely on rail transport. This requires not only precise planning, but also skilful loading and unloading, as the schedule between tour locations is often very tight,” explains Patrick Philadelphia, Managing Director of Roncalli. Christoph Grasl, Member of the Board of RCG, adds: “We have been working with Circus Roncalli since 2009 to bring art and culture to the railways – this is a perfect example of sustainable logistics and shows that there are no limits to the type of goods that can be transported.”

2.060 tonnes of circus in 564 metres

30 wooden and colourful circus and fairground wagons, up to 120 years old and fully restored, various equipment such as fences and tarpaulins, as well as small vehicles, 4.5 kilometres of cable, 10,000 LED lamps and 5 kilometres of water hoses will be transported to Vienna and back by sustainable rail in two trains. The trains are up to 564 metres long, carry between 22 and 29 wagons and pull a total of 2.060 tonnes of circus equipment.

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05.09.2024