RCG transports the “Glögglwaggon”

Every year, the European Union selects at least two towns or cities to be designated as European Capitals of Culture. It is an honorary title that this year was awarded to Bad Ischl in the Salzkammergut. This is something to be celebrated, which is why 23 municipalities have joined forces to deliver a wide-ranging and multifaceted programme for this year as a Capital of Culture under the motto “23 for 24”.

The Glögglwaggon Project

One element of this is an art project entitled “Salzkammer(sc)hall” by composer Georg Nussbaumer, which heralded in the 2024 Capital of Culture year in the truest sense of the word on 19 January. It is a moving sound sculpture with more than 40 bells of various pitches that travelled along the railway line from Attnang-Puchheim to Stainach-Irding. These bells and chimes were mounted on a railway wagon and caused to ring by the wind. The faster the train travelled, the more ringing the bells produced as it passed through the Salzkammergut with a Doppler effect. If the train passed by churches along the route within earshot, they responded by ringing the bells in their spires. When the train stopped, the bells fell silent.

An ÖBB project from start to finish

The frame for the bells was designed and produced by apprentices at ÖBB Infrastruktur. The RCG was responsible for organising and executing the special transport: a Klima-Taurus locomotive hauled a total of three passenger carriages with high-profile guests – invited guests included Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler, ÖBB Infrastructure Director Silvia Angelo and 23 mayors – and a Kbs wagon at the end, on which the bells were mounted. The transport and the entire event were a complete success and was probably audible far beyond the Salzkammergut region.

What goes on behind the scenes of a special transport? What are the challenges – specifically with regard to the “Glögglwaggon”? You can find answers to these questions and more information in our Blog.

26.01.2024