Ogden as a guest in Hof

From 29 July 2025, Hof played host to a very special group of visitors: a delegation from the US twin town of Ogden, which made its way to Upper Franconia for the first time in over 70 years. And what a week it turned out to be: Talks about the future, insights into politics and urban development - and to round things off, a folk festival morning pint, just like the one in the Hof picture book. Gery Gerspitzer included.

Mayor Eva Döhla: "This visit shows how valuable personal encounters are. Town twinning is more than just a piece of paper. It thrives on dialogue, understanding differences and sharing ideas. I am delighted that we are not only looking back on our shared history, but also developing perspectives for the future. It is people who move a city forward, people like you and me, across borders."

The programme officially began on Tuesday with a reception in the town hall. The guests were warmly welcomed in the large hall - also in the Hof dialect. Right at the beginning, Eva Döhla quoted the slogan of the Hof folk festival: "Do triffst fei alla". Here you meet everyone - and even friends from far away - and the Wärschtlamo in the old town. As the guests were staying at the Hotel Dormero, it wasn't a long way to the first Wärschtlamo. This sausage vendor with his steaming kettle has been an institution in Hof for 150 years. A story that is virtually unknown in the USA. All the greater was the joy when the delegation received "Wärschtlamo gifts", a sign: Now you are a real Hofer.

The guests from Ogden brought a message with them: They want to expand the connection to Hof - actively and lively. Hof is a role model for town twinning with Mexico. "Although we are miles apart, we have a lot in common," emphasised city councillor Bart Blair. "Hopefully we can repeat a trip like this - and not in 70 years' time." The discussions showed that whether in Utah or in Hochfranken, the challenges are similar. The delegation spoke openly about topics such as affordable housing and outdated infrastructure. The political organisation was also an interesting comparison: while Ogden manages with seven council members, Hof has 40.

One of the highlights was the dinner in the Königssaal at Hof's main railway station. History was brought to life in this magnificent room, which once served as a reception hall for travellers from all over the world. Mayor Angela Bier took the guests on a journey through time - from industrial culture and Deutsche Bahn to the defining events of autumn 1989, when Hof became the first station of freedom for tens of thousands of GDR refugees.

And then came the part that Ogden will always remember: the Hofer Volksfest. Here the American guests experienced what hospitality means in Franconian. They were amazed at the colourful hustle and bustle and the togetherness of all generations. Ben Nadoslki, Mayor of Ogden: "The warmth and openness of the people of Hof, the intergenerational celebrations here - you won't find that in any book. The Volksfest is phenomenal. The Volksfest is awesome."

Due to the mixed summer weather, the delegation spontaneously and full of curiosity decided to make a detour to the German-German Museum in Mödlareuth. The small village, known as "Little Berlin", tells a story that still fascinates people all over the world today: a wall that ran right through the centre of the village - families separated, friends torn apart.

This visit was special for the guests from Utah. It was not only the authentic relics such as watchtowers, border fortifications and a piece of the original wall that made an impression - it was above all the lively tour that made the excursion an experience. The English-speaking guide, well prepared and equipped with an incomparable sense of humour, brought the past to life so vividly that even serious topics became understandable and tangible. With trenchant anecdotes and little jokes, he managed the feat of conveying the dramatic history of the division with ease - without diminishing its significance. "This is history you can feel," said one delegation member with emotion. And at the final group photo in front of the border wall, it was clear that this excursion is one of those moments that will not be forgotten.

After five days full of encounters, tours, visits and discussions, it was sad to say goodbye on Sunday. But one thing is certain: the twin towns of Hof and Ogden want to work even more closely together in the future - with exchange programmes, projects and perhaps even new ideas in the areas of sustainable mobility, education and culture.

Anyone who saw a table with a cheerful group from Utah at the folk festival experienced first-hand that twinning is not a formal construct, but a living friendship - and sometimes the best understanding begins with a toast to a shared future.