When I first spotted “The Count of Clam” excursion on our Avalon Waterways Danube river cruise itinerary, I’ll admit I was curious about the name. Little did I know that this seemingly oddly-titled outing would become one of the most memorable experiences of our entire journey through a visit to the historic Clam Castle, or Burg Clam.
Clam Castle sits majestically overlooking the Austrian countryside, its stone walls carrying centuries of history. And in Austria, Clam is pronounced like “Clum.” Our small group departed the river ship in the late afternoon, winding our way up to the impressive fortress as the sun began its slow descent. The anticipation built as we approached – how many times in life does one get to meet an actual Count and tour his family’s ancestral Clam Castle?
Meeting Royalty
Any preconceptions I had about stuffy nobility disappeared the moment the Count greeted us at the entrance to Clam Castle. Our gracious host, Count Carl Philip Clam-Martinic, represents the 16th generation of his family to call this magnificent fortress home since 1454. After spending several years working in Hong Kong, the Count returned in 2003 to take over the family estate, where he now lives with his wife and their three children in a private wing of the castle.
Beyond preserving his family’s 550-year legacy at Clam Castle, Count Carl Philip has embraced sharing this living history with visitors while balancing modern ventures, including co-founding the Austrian Guild of Professional Butlers and hosting the renowned Clam Castle Music Festival that provided our unexpected soundtrack that evening.
Behind The Scenes
What makes this excursion special is the deeply personal nature of the experience. Clam Castle isn’t a sterile museum visit with velvet ropes and placards – it’s an intimate glimpse into a family home that happens to be a magnificent castle. Can you imagine living in a place where your family has been for over 500 years? The Count shared stories of his ancestors that brought the portraits and artifacts to life, connecting us to the long history of the estate and the generations who have called Clam Castle home.
While the grand halls and formal rooms of Clam Castle were impressive, I was particularly fascinated by our quick peek inside the castle kitchens. These functional spaces offered a glimpse into the daily life of Clam Castle through the centuries. The massive room I’m sure held stories of elaborate feasts. And though the equipment was a bit more moder, it painted a vivid picture of the bustling activity that would have filled these rooms during the castle’s storied past.
An Unexpected Soundtrack
As our tour of Clam Castle continued and we stepped out into the courtyard, wine glasses refilled, something unexpected caught our ears – the unmistakable sound of classic rock music floating up from below. Our timing had accidentally coincided with the annual Clam Castle Music Festival, and from our elevated position atop the castle walls, we found ourselves with the best view in the house as Foreigner performed their hits.
The Count, noting our surprise and delight, led us to a prime viewing spot. Standing there with our small group, sipping fine Austrian wine, watching a legendary rock band perform against the backdrop of ancient Clam Castle … it was one of those magical travel moments that simply can’t be planned.
Worth It!
Some excursions sound better on paper than they turn out to be in reality. “The Count of Clam” at Clam Castle delivers far beyond expectations. The combination of history, personal connection with the Count, excellent wines, and in our case, the serendipitous concert viewing, created an evening that stands out even among the many highlights of our Danube cruise.
For anyone sailing with Avalon Waterways on the Danube, I cannot recommend this excursion to Clam Castle highly enough.
