Owner Werner Maringer will unabashedly tell anyone, "I was born in the most beautiful city in the world--Salzburg." Salzburg is in Austria, close to the mountainous southeast border of Germany. His wife, Patricia, was born in the Appalachian Mountains. "After moving from city to city for 20 years, we decided we wanted to settle down in the place that reminded both of us of our birthplaces, and Lake Lure was the answer."

Located on seven heavily wooded acres to the southeast of the Lake Lure Beach, Gaestehaus Salzburg is an Alpine inn set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The European-inspired setting is evident as soon as you arrive. Keeping with the Austrian tradition of natural wood, it's used extensively in interiors. In addition, the dining room is typical of a small Austrian Gasthof, with corner benches and an intimate atmosphere.

Books and pictures of the Alpine region are placed throughout the inn, along with Austrian and German articles in each room and cabin. And, as is typical in many European establishments, flower boxes span the length of the upstairs balcony in front of the inn and a profusion of gardens and woodlands surround the property.

A sumptuous full European-style breakfast awakens your senses. We make an event of it, serving cold cuts, German sausages, select cheeses, soft-boiled eggs served in an egg cup, fresh fruit in season, a variety of fresh baked breads, and, of course, authentic Austrian pastries for the sweet tooth.

Authentic German cuisine with delectable Austrian pastries is also offered for dinner (by reservation only) Friday and Saturday.

Come relax and enjoy nature at its finest, where mountains and blue waters meet! When it's time for a break from the ordinary, the natural beauty and a slower pace are yours to enjoy at Gaestehaus Salzburg.