bagagewagens

Bagagewagens are a category of railway rolling stock designed to carry passenger baggage, parcels, and, in some cases, mail. They function as a baggage car that accompanies a passenger train, distinct from passenger coaches and freight wagons.

Most bagagewagens are enclosed vans built on two axles or bogies. They typically feature a watertight body with side or end doors for loading, and a separate guard's compartment at one end. A hand brake and, in some models, a small postal or mail compartment are common. The overall design resembles a box van rather than a passenger car.

Historically, bagagewagens were standard on many networks from the 19th century onward, enabling the transport of travellers’ luggage and mail between stations and along routes. They could be attached to express, regional, or mixed trains and were often used at stations for handling luggage or parcels.

With advances in integrated luggage space in passenger coaches and changes in mail logistics, the number of dedicated bagagewagens declined in the late 20th century. Today, protective baggage accommodation is more commonly found inside modern coaches or as part of dedicated postal vans in national fleets. Some preserved or heritage railways still operate bagagewagens to demonstrate historical operations.

See also: baggage car, mail car, guard's van.