A piece of living circus history has just rolled into the Bavarian capital. The world-renowned Circus Roncalli has arrived in Munich — not by road, but by train. As the only remaining circus in Europe that still travels entirely on rails, Roncalli’s arrival drew plenty of attention on Friday morning.
A total of 80 vintage wagons, stretching over 750 meters in length, carried performers, equipment, props, and costumes straight into Munich Ostbahnhof. The spectacle marked the beginning of the circus’s latest tour stop, where audiences will soon experience its new program “ARtistART.”
Tradition meets sustainability
While the historic train evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of traveling circuses, Roncalli is also firmly rooted in modern values. The special locomotive runs on eco-friendly bio-electricity, with logistics managed in cooperation with DB Schenker and Rail Bavaria Logistik.
This combination of heritage and sustainability has become a hallmark of Roncalli’s philosophy — preserving the art of classic circus while embracing responsible, animal-free entertainment.
From train station to big top
Once the wagons are unloaded, the transformation begins at the Werksviertel area, behind the city’s giant Umadum Ferris wheel. Over 50 crew members, including 20 tent specialists, drivers, technicians, and assistants, work hand in hand to set up the circus grounds.
The iconic Roncalli tent boasts a 36.8-meter diameter, topped by a 16-meter flagpole and an 11-meter-high dome. Inside, the manege — the circular performance ring — spans 11 meters, surrounded by a maze of infrastructure:
- 5 km of electrical cables
- 3 km of water hoses
- 1.5 km of drainage lines
Every detail reflects Roncalli’s commitment to craftsmanship and precision.
A circus without animals, but full of heart
Since eliminating live animals years ago, Roncalli has focused exclusively on human artistry, acrobatics, and visual poetry. Under the creative direction of Bernhard Paul and his daughter Lili Paul-Roncalli, the company has redefined the circus experience — merging performance art, music, light, and emotion.
The 2025 program “ARtistART” promises a vibrant blend of contemporary circus, art installations, and digital stage effects, all while preserving the warmth and humor that made Roncalli a household name.
Performance dates and ticket info
Circus Roncalli will perform in Munich’s Werksviertel from 24 October to 7 December 2025.
Tickets are available via www.roncalli.de and authorized Munich ticket partners.
For locals and visitors alike, the arrival of this historic circus train signals more than just another event — it’s a journey through time, art, and imagination.
