Discover Hof: City History, Gardens and the Untreusee

Hof combines a historic cityscape, landscaped gardens and water sports at the Untreusee. The city is also considered a link between the holiday regions of the Frankenwald and Fichtelgebirge. If you’re looking for accommodation, first consider whether city history, green spaces or activities on the water will be the focus of your trip.

City History and Art

In the protected Biedermeier Quarter, neoclassical façades define the ensemble around Ludwigstraße, Klosterstraße and Maxplatz. A distinctive landmark is Hof’s Town Hall Tower: at 32 metres high, it is considered a symbol of the city. Climb its 152 steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint. Check the latest access information before your visit.

Hof’s earlier history can also be traced through specific dates. The area was fortified around 1230; until 1791, Hof was under the rule of the Hohenzollern Principality of Bayreuth. The Museum Bayerisches Vogtland presents the history of Hof and the Bavarian Vogtland in its permanent exhibitions. The Johann-Christian-Reinhart-Cabinet displays works by the painter Johann Christian Reinhart from the city’s art collection. City history and art thus offer distinct areas of interest.

Gardens and Wildlife at Theresienstein

Theresienstein Civic Park is considered Bavaria’s oldest civic park. Its landscaped grounds include pavilions, temples, ponds, monuments and the Theresienstein House. The Hof Botanical Garden has its own distinctive features: alongside a geometrically laid-out rose garden with a medicinal plant section, it has an alpine garden, a water lily pond, a shade garden and extensive perennial beds. Admission to the Botanical Garden is free; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Theresienstein, a hill near the city centre, is home to the municipal Botanical Garden and Hof Zoo. The zoo features animals from every continent. A playground and educational activities for kindergartens, schools and other interested visitors round out the offerings. Families planning a trip around different interests can weigh up gardens, wildlife and city history as distinct themes.

Water and Activity

At the Untreusee, you can choose from swimming, surfing, sailing, rowing and kayaking. If you’d rather explore on foot or on land, you can also go around the lake on foot, by bicycle or jogging. Water access and conditions may vary by season; check the latest local guidance before activities at the lake.

For cyclists, the Saale-Radoase is a cycling station with facilities for charging bicycles and areas to rest. Its water platform serves as a landing stage for canoe tours. The station faces the Saale Cycle Route and Hof city centre; a short route also provides orientation to nearby sights. As facilities may change, it’s advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

A Taste of Hof Tradition

The Wärschtlamo tradition, which dates back to 1871, is part of local food culture. Hot sausages are served from a brass kettle in a Hofer roll. Together with the museums, parks and activities on the water, this offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip. Decide what matters most to you, then compare the locations of specific accommodation with your plans.

Discover more destinations: Berg, Selbitz, Köditz, Münchberg, Schwarzenbach Am Wald, Naila, Lichtenberg, Sparneck.

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