Burg Clam

About the museum

Burg Clam is first mentioned in documents in 1149. It was built by Otto von Machland, under whom the five-storey palas and the keep rose on the granite rock above the Klam gorge – two buildings more than 40 metres high, visible from far away. In the Gothic period the east wing and a new castle chapel were added.

During the Thirty Years’ War the market town of Klam was burned down several times during sieges; the castle itself was never taken, but had fallen into severe disrepair by around 1600. Around 1640 Baron Johann Gottfried von Clam had it extensively renovated, supported by the fortune of his wife Sibylle von Kagenek; the couple also endowed the parish church and hospital of the village. In the 18th century the farm buildings of the outer courtyard were constructed, and the fortress was gradually converted into a residence: the moat gave way to gardens, and the drawbridge to a permanent access road.

The complex survived both world wars largely unscathed; in the 1980s Count Heinrich von Clam had a civil defence bunker installed. The castle is still owned by the family and inhabited – the present lord of the castle, Carl Philip Clam, has lived here all year round since 2003. For this reason, visitors can see the furnished rooms only on a guided tour. The tour leads from the arcaded courtyard through the castle pharmacy, armoury and chapel to the living and guest rooms and shows a porcelain collection in the former breakfast room. In summer the Clam concerts take place at the foot of the castle.

Highlights

• Hilltop castle from the 12th century that has never been conquered
• Castle pharmacy and armoury
• Inhabited, fully furnished living quarters of the Counts of Clam
• Porcelain collection in the former breakfast room
• Keep with panoramic view over the Machland (group tour)

Permanent exhibition

• Burgrundgang – Guided route from the arcaded courtyard through the castle pharmacy, armoury and chapel to the furnished living and guest rooms of the counts with their porcelain collection.

Operated by

Burgmuseum Clam (Familie Clam)

Admission & discounts

The guided tour is included in the admission price. Demonstration sword fight for groups at a flat rate of €200; walking lunch and dinner with Count Clam on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

On the tower and behind-the-scenes tours there are uneven surfaces, unusual step heights and sharp edges – sturdy footwear is recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

“Adventure Middle Ages” castle explorer tour especially for children (group offer) and bookable demonstration sword fight. Family ticket for parents with children up to 15 years.

Getting there & parking

About a 10-minute drive from Grein an der Donau. From Linz take the A1 (exit Asten/St. Florian), the B1 and the B3 towards Grein, and turn left at Baumgartenberg to Klam. From Vienna take the A1 (exit Ybbs), the Persenbeug Danube bridge and the B3, and turn right at Saxen to Klam.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Tavern at the castle for refreshments after the tour.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Weddings (including in the sacristy garden), sparkling wine receptions, medieval programmes and exclusive events, also as part of the Clam concerts; historic guest rooms for overnight stays.

Plan your visit