Plauen
In Saxony
After years of futile efforts on the part of the city of Hof, it was possible in 1987 to enter into a partnership with the neighboring city of Plauen - at that time still located in the GDR. The approval for this was given at the highest political level between Bonn and East Berlin at that time.
The history
Until the opening of the border in November 1989 and the "Wende", mutual exchanges were only possible within the framework of annual agreements. Since then, people from Plauen and Hof have been able to communicate with each other unhindered. Cultural and sports clubs, but also families and individuals have long since established stable, lasting friendships.
The partnership
Even though there is no longer a border between the two towns, the partnership continues. The two neighboring towns have been connected by a hiking trail for several years, which is popular with hikers from both towns. As part of the celebrations for "20 years of the opening of the border" and "20 years of German unity", the twin towns organized extensive series of events in 2009 - 2010. For the 25th anniversary in 2014, the two twin towns once again revived the historic Trabi convoy from Plauen to the Ullitz border crossing and on to Hof, delighting thousands of spectators along the way.