Culinary diversity by the water is certain!

Maschseefest 2025: Culinary diversity by the water is a sure thing!

The popular Maschsee Festival in Hannover kicks off on July 30, 2025. For 19 days, the city center will transform into a Mediterranean-style promenade around the lake.
Culinary diversity at the Maschsee is guaranteed for the next three years: the extensive, strictly confidential bidding process in accordance with EU guidelines has been completed. Numerous restaurateurs had applied for the available spaces, which were put out to bid on all four shores of the lake. It is now clear what culinary offerings visitors can expect from 2025 to 2027 at Germany’s largest lake festival. As usual, guests can look forward to high-quality international cuisine, which will continue to highlight the unique character of the Maschsee Festival with specialties from around the world.

New highlights on the north bank
Four exciting new features await visitors on the north bank.

Belmondo combines the finest French cuisine with style in a Mediterranean setting that brings Parisian elegance and the charm of the Côte d’Azur right to the shores of Lake Masch. “Vive la France” is the motto here, with culinary creations that impress with their quality and sophistication: from innovative tarte flambée to fresh salads, tender shrimp, and Parisian potatoes, all the way to crêpes and small, delicate snacks, the French way of life is celebrated with delight.

Salento brings a touch of Bella Italia to Lake Masch.
The new Italian restaurant by the lake combines traditional Italian cuisine with modern flair and a dash of la dolce vita, making it truly one of a kind. Whether it’s handmade pasta, crispy pizza, creamy gelato, or Apulian aperitifs—on the two-story piazza, you can enjoy southern hospitality under olive trees. And from the rooftop terrace, you have a first-class view of the water.

The new Greek restaurant on the north shore blends seamlessly into the overall culinary concept at Maschsee as a Mediterranean haven of relaxation: Mykonos delights guests with Greek specialties such as traditional appetizers (mezze), crisp salads, hearty grilled dishes, and a variety of desserts. A special highlight: the Greek Pita To Go—freshly prepared, just like on Mykonos. The lovingly designed stand captivates with its aesthetic appeal and enticing aromas, transporting guests in their minds straight to the heart of Greece.

Joining the tried-and-true Madsack SeeSalon—which, as in previous years, serves as an exclusive venue on the north shore for private events, offering a high-quality bar and buffet—is this year’s new highlight within the Verlagsgesellschaft grounds: the wine bar located directly across from the main stage at the Hellebardier. The Italo-Bistro serves fine wines, trendy drinks, and delicious small bites such as bowls or modern pizza and pasta variations in a relaxed atmosphere. From there, you can enjoy the views of Lake Maschsee and the lively north shore in style, accompanied by chill DJ sounds and a glass of wine.

Fixed sizes on the north bank
In the coming years, guests at the Maschseefest can look forward to many familiar highlights, some of which have been a defining feature of the festival for years.

On the north shore, the glowing blue KONE Pavilion next to the Courtyard Hotel will continue to shine, once again offering the perfect venue for international events and gatherings of all kinds. As always, the pavilion will serve trendy cocktails and long drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and finger food, all while offering a magnificent view of the festivities.
The two iconic Bä(h)renstark lighthouses—popular photo spots and a firmly established institution on the north bank—will be back again this year. The Bä(h)renstark Lighthouse Corner remains a traditional favorite gathering spot for fans of beer and grilled specialties.

Tulum continues to delight guests with modern Mexican cuisine, embodying that summer vibe: Mediterranean, exotic, trendy, and full of magic. Traditional dishes like tacos and spicy salsas, refreshing tequila drinks, and mezcal cocktails bring the flavors of Mexico—accompanied by rhythmic Latin beats—right to the lake. This turns a visit into an enjoyable mini-vacation under the Latin American sun.
HeimW continues to delight with the finest sushi artistry and innovative cocktails—served in a stylish, urban setting. Carefully crafted rolls, surprising flavors, and modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine meet a relaxed atmosphere with big-city flair. A place for everyone who loves culinary trends while also valuing quality and style.
And for the next three years, Lindenblatt will also combine the best of the two popular restaurants, 800 Grad and Lindenblatt. Of course, the Aresto stand’s tradition of offering fine wines and the popular winemaker evenings will continue—as stylish, enjoyable, and atmospheric as ever.

New highlights on the east bank
Two new adventure spaces are being created on the east bank: the Genuss-Geibel and Ohana Beach.

Genuss-Geibel – under this new name, the historic Geibel area is being transformed into a charming haven of indulgence for foodies and strollers alike. Nestled between the building’s curved sections, a whimsical market with Scandinavian charm is taking shape, featuring a genuine marketplace at its heart and rustic, maritime-themed lounging areas. The Nordic architecture has a calming effect and creates space for enjoyable breaks—whether over a glass of wine or freshly prepared specialties.
Culinary-wise, the focus is on Nordic and maritime delicacies: Scandinavian fish dishes, international treats, and lovingly plated dishes appeal to a broad audience and make Genuss-Geibel a place for culinary discoveries in a relaxed atmosphere.
Just a few steps further, near the Waldorf School, another highlight awaits visitors: Ohana Beach. On a newly developed area between Halfwayhouse I and the Löwenbastion, Dean & David, together with PlanBar, bring the Hawaiian way of life right to the Maschsee. Spanning a good 500 square meters, a tropical retreat unfolds with chill DJ sounds, exotic drinks, and light fare like wraps, bowls, and curries—perfect for a sundowner with a view of the setting sun.

A time-honored favorite, back on
the eastern shore The Hamborger Veermaster remains a staple at the eastern shore and promises a maritime experience in an authentic atmosphere. Classics like Labskaus, matjes herring, fried potatoes with a fried egg, flambéed salmon, and fresh fish sandwiches bring North German cuisine to the lake. Accompanied by traditional harbor sounds, shanty choirs and street performers provide musical highlights and lend the area its unmistakable nautical charm.

Just a few steps away, you’ll encounter the California lifestyle: Over the next three years, the American West Coast will continue to be a presence at the NDR Broadcasting House. Under the theme “San Francisco meets Maschsee,” guests can look forward to high-quality street food with an American twist—from American-style pizza to hot dogs, various burger options, and grilled specialties. The adjacent Beach Bar, complete with lounge chairs, invites you to relax and perfectly rounds out the culinary experience on the east bank with a touch of the West Coast.
Along the popular food mile, as usual on the northeast shore/beginning of Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer as well as on the west shore below the Courtyard, visitors can once again expect a diverse selection of international snacks this year—ideal for a quick bite on the go or in a relaxed atmosphere right by the water.
The food mile is re-tendered annually and never fails to surprise with fresh ideas, new concepts, and tried-and-true classics. From savory to sweet, from vegan to hearty—there’s something for every taste.
At SupperClub 34 at Halfway House I, you can continue to enjoy stylish drinks in a relaxed setting on beach chairs, at tables, or in small boats right on the water—the latter being a unique feature of the Maschsee Festival. A creative selection of fine dishes from the SupperClub kitchen is served, meeting nearly every standard of quality and sophistication. In the cozy lounge atmosphere, foodies and connoisseurs gather for a stylish get-together.

A Classic for Food Lovers: The Löwenbastion
As always, guests at the Löwenbastion will be treated to a culinary world tour featuring a diverse array of
street food from around the globe. The offerings range from pulled pork creations to a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as some unique specialties.
 
A crowd favorite at the South Pier
Irish Folk also continues to invite visitors on a musical and culinary tour of Ireland. Cider and ale, their own craft beer varieties, the finest Irish whiskey, and an extensive selection of traditional Irish dishes are served. Amid a lovingly designed setting, authentic live music, traditional food, and a genuine pub atmosphere blend into a holistic experience.

A Steady Beat: The Maschseequelle with a Live Program
In the southwest, the Musik-Park at the Maschseequelle will open as usual, offering an extensive musical program along with food and drinks. This year, for the first time, the bands on stage will be presented by RADIO 21.

New highlight on the west bank
The new Aperitivo Bay stands for sun in a glass and south in the heart.

The new Aperitivo Bay, located near the Courtyard Hotel, offers a spacious area where guests can relax, unwind, and celebrate. Under the motto “Community, Enjoyment, Serenity,” it brings together the best of the Southern lifestyle—chill vibes during the day with daytime drinking and laid-back electronic music, while in the evening the area transforms into a stylish party zone featuring house and electro beats. At long tables and in cozy lounge corners, guests enjoy tapas and Mediterranean delicacies—served in a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the lake.

Firmly established on the west bank
The popular RADIO 21 Lounge will remain on the west bank, continuing to offer a sophisticated lounge atmosphere for years to come, complete with expertly mixed drinks, international snacks, and dishes from the Rodizio Baumhaus, as well as a first-class view of Lake Maschsee.

Dizzying: the 75-meter-high MaschseeTower
This year, a spectacular eye-catcher soars into the sky on the forecourt of the Heinz von Heiden Arena: the approximately 75-meter-high MaschseeTower offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the festival grounds, the lake, and far beyond.
The mobile observation platform impresses not only with its height but also with its innovative technology: In four glass, fully air-conditioned cabins—each seating 20 people—visitors glide gently upward along a steel tower. Refreshing drinks are available during the ride. Information on admission prices and exact operating hours will follow shortly.

Other Information:
More than 4,000 seats available
; table reservations can be made now. Many restaurants around Lake Maschsee are offering exclusive events during the 19-day festival, such as winemaker evenings, tastings, Sunday brunches, and special themed evenings. Reservations can be made at www.maschseefest.de/reservierungen/ or through the websites of the respective restaurant operators.

The Maschseefest is one of Europe's top ten food festivals
In 2022, the Maschseefest in Hannover was ranked ninth on the list of the best summer festivals for foodies by the international travel portal “Big 7 Travel.” It is the only festival in Germany to make the top ten on the list. The gourmet experts described it as a “paradise for foodies.”

“We have remained true to our reputation as a ‘gourmet paradise’ in recent years—and with our new dining concepts, we continue to bring an impressive international variety of cuisine and world-class dining to the Maschseefest,” says André Lawiszus, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), the organizer of the Maschseefest.

Bridge open again
After approximately 14 months of construction, the access road to the Courtyard Hotel and the bridge on Arthur-Menge-Ufer are once again fully open. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists can use the bridge to get to the Maschsee Festival. However, temporary road closures will be in place during the festival.

Stage Partners
Once again this year, MADSACK, along with the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ) and the Neue Presse (NP) as long-standing partners, will be supporting the main stage on the north bank, right next to the Hellebardier. bigFM will kick things off with a lively start on the first Friday (Aug. 1) with a diverse program. On the second Friday (Aug. 8), Radio Bollerwagen will curate the stage program for the first time, before RADIO 21 traditionally takes over the stage area on the final weekend (Aug. 15–17). In addition, RADIO 21 will present a diverse program on stage at the Maschsee spring for the first time, ensuring top-notch entertainment by the water.

You can find all the information about the 2025 Maschsee Festival at www.maschseefest.de

Notice: We are currently still working on the program. The program highlights will follow.