24 Hours in Hof: Excursion to Sights & Untreusee
24 Hours in Hof – A Day Full of Experiences (2026 Edition)
A compact day plan for Hof in 2026: active start at Untreusee, relaxed stroll through the city, green lunch break by the Saale, award-winning Bürgerpark in the afternoon, and to finish, another visit to the lake – with seasonal highlights in mind.
Morning at Untreusee: Active Start in the Local Recreation Area
Start your day at Untreusee in the south of Hof. Two signposted loops (approx. 6.6 km and 4.4 km) are suitable for jogging, walks, or a short bike ride. Swimming is allowed; common water sports such as stand-up paddling, canoeing, and sailing are popular, motorboats are not permitted. Shallow shore areas and lawns make it easy to enter the water.
For adrenaline, the high ropes course on the shore offers zip lines over the water and courses of varying difficulty. Also popular: the versatile labyrinth as a group activity with stamp stations and viewpoints. In changeable weather, indoor trampoline and climbing areas offer an alternative – so the morning remains flexibly plannable.
“Beautiful circular path around Untreusee ... still climbing the trees in the climbing park Untreusee.” – Gabi Seidel, 5/5
“Idyllically located larger bathing lake. Water quality ... gastronomy near the parking lot is great.” – Steve Br., 4/5
Morning in the City Center: Old Town, Shopping, City Tour
From the lake, head to the compact city center. Buses run from the train station; many routes are easily walkable. In the old town, boutiques, bookstores, and regional suppliers are close together – ideal for a quick shopping stop.
City tours open up Hof's history from border town to today's cultural city, often on barrier-free routes. If you are out and about on Wednesdays or Saturdays in 2026, you can plan to visit the weekly market at Maxplatz to buy fresh regional products for a later picnic. Climbing the town hall tower (152 steps) rewards you with a wide view over rooftops, Saale meadows, and parks.
Cultural enthusiasts will find museums in the city center with local, art, and regional themes – a good contrast to the active morning by the water.
Lunch by the Saale: Break in the Saale Meadows
East of the center, the Saale meadows invite you to a quiet lunch break – on park benches, lawns, or with a picnic. If you didn't come from the market, you can get supplies at nearby cafés and bakeries.
Level paths are suitable for cycling and as an entry point to the Saale cycle path. For the 24-hour plan, stay close to the city; if you extend your stay, you can connect tours to more lakes and reservoirs.
Afternoon in the Bürgerpark: Artificial Ruin, Botanical Garden, Zoo
The Bürgerpark (historic landscape park, nationally awarded) stands for Hof's green quality of life. Paths wind through old trees; the artificial ruin with observation tower offers a wide view – a peaceful counterpoint to the morning stroll.
Next door, the Botanical Garden displays changing themed plantings on around 1.9 hectares. In early summer 2026, numerous rose varieties bloom; the rest of the year impresses with changing colors and scents. Just a few steps away, the Hof Zoo complements the nature visit – popular with families and animal lovers.
Cafés and ice cream parlors within walking distance provide refreshments; on warm days, life takes place in the shade of large trees.
Evening Back at the Lake: Exercise, Labyrinth, and Summer Highlights 2026
To end the day, it's worth returning to Untreusee: gentle evening light, quiet shore paths, and an optional second running round. The high ropes course is particularly atmospheric at dusk; the labyrinth is suitable for a light group experience at the end.
Summer 2026: Sporting public events are planned at the lake, such as dragon boat races and beach events. Check the city's schedule and weather information in advance, as outdoor areas pause during storms. If the weather changes suddenly, the indoor climbing and trampoline hall remains a good alternative.
If you prefer it quieter, you'll find picnic spots on the shore; alternatively, restaurants in the city round off the day with culinary delights – from regional cuisine to light summer dishes.
Outlook 2026: Surroundings, Culture, and Planning
Hof is suitable as a starting point for further days. In Upper Franconia, rock labyrinths in the low mountain range, lake landscapes, and museums on porcelain and regional history attract visitors. The Saale cycle path connects Hof with other nature destinations – ideal for multi-day bike tours.
Cultural Year 2026: Cinema, theater, and music formats are planned in the city. The internationally renowned Hof Film Festival traditionally takes place in autumn; in 2026, check dates, venues, and ticket modalities in good time.
Practical planning: Official city overviews summarize opening times, up-to-date information, and barrier-free routes to Untreusee, Bürgerpark, Botanical Garden, Zoo, hiking and cycling paths. The central day route (city center – Saale meadows – Bürgerpark – Untreusee) is considered easily walkable and stroller-friendly.
Compact Day Plan (Example for 2026)
- Early active start at Untreusee (loop, quick dip in the water or SUP).
- Stroll through the city center, possibly Wednesday/Saturday weekly market for picnic shopping.
- Picnic and short bike or walking round in the Saale meadows.
- Bürgerpark with observation tower of the artificial ruin; detour to Botanical Garden.
- Zoo for family time or photo walk.
- Evening at Untreusee: labyrinth, climbing park, or quiet walk along the shore.
Sources and Further Information
- City of Hof – Official Portal — Overview of sights, parks, and events (accessed 2025-12-31)
- City of Hof – Leisure & Tourism — Offers, opening times, current information (accessed 2025-12-31)
- Saale Cycle Path – Official Site — Stages, maps, and service (accessed 2025-12-31)
- Untreusee on Google Maps — Reviews and location (accessed 2025-12-31)
