Hof City Guide

Local Bavarian dishes and some international options like Italian, Greek, and Asian food. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Most places close by 10 or 11 PM; late-night food is rare.

Nightlife is modest with pubs and a few bars, mainly for locals. Less lively than in big German cities.

Decent coffee scene with traditional cafes and few specialty shops. Focus on the local "coffee and cake" culture.

Tipping is appreciated but optional. Around 5-10% in restaurants; rounding up fares is common.

SIM cards are sold in Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 stores or electronics shops. You'll need an ID to register. Coverage and speed are good. eSIM is sometimes available.

City and streets are very clean and well maintained. Efficient recycling and waste pick-up.

Limited 24/7 services. Emergency pharmacies rotate, some gas stations sell basics, and emergency rooms are always open.

Supermarkets like Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, and Lidl serve daily needs. International products are somewhat limited. Most shops close Sundays and public holidays.

Card payments are common in bigger stores and many restaurants. Smaller shops and some local spots may need cash, so carry some with you.

ATMs are easy to find, mainly from Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank. Fees may apply for foreign cards. Use ATMs linked to global networks like Cirrus or Plus to lower fees.

Schools are mainly German public schools with German instruction. No international schools in town.

Very limited nomad community and events. Few dedicated coworking spaces and nomad meetups.

Good green spaces including Theresienstein Park and river areas with shaded paths and running tracks.

Safe and scenic running routes in parks and along the Saale river. Local running clubs exist.

Several gyms and sports clubs offer fitness options.

Tennis courts at local clubs with clay and hard surfaces; memberships usually required.

No known padel facilities.

Several yoga studios with various classes; some English-speaking instructors might be available.

Several clubs offer judo, karate, taekwondo, and boxing. Both traditional and modern styles available.

Ski resorts like Ochsenkopf are within a 30-45 minute drive, mainly beginner/intermediate slopes. Season runs from December to March.

Kayaking and paddleboarding at Untreusee lake during warmer months.

No surfing available; no natural surf spots.

Limited freshwater diving at nearby lakes; mainly for beginners.

Hof has quality hospitals like Sana Klinikum Hof with some English-speaking staff. Both public and private care are available. Pharmacies offer common medicines and emergency services.

Tap water is high quality and safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Attractions include Theresienstein Park with zoo and botanic garden, plus Untreusee lake.

Generally tolerant and safe with legal protections. Few dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces in Hof.

Pet-friendly city with dog-friendly parks and vet clinics. Growing pet-welcoming accommodations and supplies.