World Twin Cities Day on April 28

City of Hof draws a positive balance: active exchange with five partner cities

Drei Pfähle mit verschiedenen internationalen Städteschildern. — The signs of Hof's twin towns and friendly cities in the Fernwehpark in Oberkotzau.

On the occasion of World Twin Cities Day on the last Sunday in April, the city of Hof takes stock of its relationship with its five twin cities. The cities of Ogden (USA), Joensuu (Finland), Villeneuve-la-Garenne (France), Cheb (Czech Republic) and Plauen (Germany) are important partners in cross-border cooperation and cultural networking.

Eva Döhla, Mayor of the City of Hof: "Our city partnerships stand for international cooperation and a lively network of intercultural dialog. They give us the opportunity to see cultural diversity as an enrichment. The relationships are valuable in many respects. We can build bridges and strengthen the European idea."

Ogden, USA

Benjamin Nadolski was elected as the new mayor of Ogden last year. The town twinning between Hof and Ogden celebrated its 70th anniversary in January 2024. To mark the occasion, 19 representatives from the city of Hof visited the USA to get to know the city of Ogden, the state of Utah and the Mormon religious community. A return visit from Ogden is planned for 2025.

Joensuu, Finland

With Jere Penttilä as the new city director since the end of 2023, Hof's social services and schools departments are making initial contacts. In an initial meeting, the organizational structures and responsibilities were compared. A planned exchange with the business development department is intended to further deepen relations. The Hofer Deutsch-Finnische Gesellschaft plays a decisive role in renewing relations with the city leadership of Joensuu and in the cultural promotion of both cities.

Villeneuve-la-Garenne, France

Due to its proximity to Paris, which is hosting the Summer Olympics, Villeneuve-la-Garenne will be very busy this year. This is currently leading to less interest in the annual exchange between the swimming clubs. However, visits are planned again for next year. The Franco-German Society and the Jumelage in Villeneuve are continuing to work intensively on relations and cultural cooperation between the two cities.

Cheb, Czech Republic

The tribute paid to former mayor Dieter Döhla by Cheb city leaders at the beginning of the year marked the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Hof and Cheb. The youth wind orchestra of the art school and the dance ensemble of the majorettes perform at the Schlappentag in Hof. A total of over 30 participants from the Czech Republic will enrich the parade through Hof city center on 27 May 2024. In addition, the city of Hof's annual company outing will take place in the twin city this year. The second petanque friendship tournament between the Freie Turnerschaft and the Egrensis association in Cheb in July of this year will be another occasion for the meeting.

Plauen, Germany

The relationship with Plauen is characterized by close political cooperation and cultural exchange. The focus is on topics such as the electrification of the Bavaria-Saxony main line. Cultural meetings - at the handmade days in Hof, the Plauen Lace Festival or the Hof Folk Festival - strengthen the friendly relations between the two cities.