Weekly Market Hof | Opening Hours & Farmers' Market

The Weekly Market Hof is one of the liveliest meeting points in the city and a firmly established part of the daily life of many residents of Hof. Those strolling through the old town on Wednesday or Saturday mornings almost automatically end up at Maxplatz, where the colorful market activity unfolds in front of the impressive St. Michael's Church. The market is easy to find, excellently accessible, and represents freshness, regionality, and personal advice. Whether it’s crisp vegetables, fragrant baked goods, honey from the region, fine sausage and cheese specialties, flowers, plants, or a quick snack – shopping here becomes an experience. Especially on Saturdays, the market is a social gathering place: you meet acquaintances, chat with familiar vendors, and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic square. Additionally, there are regular highlights such as the farmers' market on the last Saturday of the month and seasonal themed markets that expand the offerings and fill Maxplatz even more. Thanks to its central location, ample parking options, and good public transport connections, visiting is uncomplicated – ideal for locals, day-trippers, and travelers looking to discover Hof's culinary side.

Opening Hours and Dates of the Weekly Market Hof

The Weekly Market Hof takes place year-round twice a week: every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These fixed times provide planning security – whether you want to buy fresh ingredients before work, do your weekend shopping, or spontaneously browse the stalls. The venue is Maxplatz in 95028 Hof, a central square in the old town right next to St. Michael's Church. The church serves as a prominent landmark, and the square is framed by historic buildings, giving the market a special, almost postcard-worthy ambiance. Those coming for the first time should take advantage of the early hours: in the morning, the selection of fresh products is at its largest, and many stalls are in high demand right after the market opens. On Wednesdays, especially commuters and residents from the city center come for targeted shopping. On Saturdays, however, the leisurely stroll dominates: between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, there is a bustling atmosphere, with lines in front of popular bakeries, dairies, or butcher shops indicating high quality and a loyal customer base. An additional tip is to keep an eye on the highlight dates throughout the year: on every last Saturday of the month, the farmers' market expands the regular offerings with additional direct marketers from the district. Furthermore, the city organizes recurring themed markets – such as for Easter and asparagus season or with culinary focuses like game and South Tyrolean specialties. These special dates are not only exciting for food lovers but also tend to bring together producers that you may not always find on regular market days. For long-term planning, it’s also advisable to keep an eye on the city's event announcements: they publish current dates, program contributions, and special features, so you stay informed about extensions, accompanying programs, or additional actions.

Stalls, Product Range, and Regional Specialties

The Weekly Market Hof stands for diversity with a clear focus on regionality and quality. Typical product groups range from fresh fruits and crisp vegetables to bread, baked goods, and fine pastries, as well as eggs, sausage and meat specialties, dairy products, and cheese. The offerings are complemented by flowers and ornamental plants for home and garden, seasonal herbs, and beekeeping products like honey and propolis. Those who enjoy cooking at home can find spices, oils, vinegars, and sometimes even homemade jams and syrups. Fish offerings round out the selection, and for quick enjoyment on-site, stalls offer hearty snacks – from Franconian sausages to regional specialties that make every visit worthwhile. However, the charm of the market lies not only in its breadth but in the proximity to producers: you learn where the goods come from, which varieties are currently in season, and how to prepare them best. Many vendors have been present for years, know their customers by name, and provide accurate advice. This creates shopping experiences that digital shopping carts cannot replace. Seasonal highlights shape the annual cycle: in spring, the first salads, radishes, and herbs entice; in summer, berries, cherries, and a colorful variety of tomatoes follow. Autumn brings pumpkins, plums, apples, and game specialties, while winter offers storage vegetables, root vegetables, and baked goods for hearty enjoyment. Those who are adventurous can ask about old varieties and region-specific recipes; many businesses preserve traditional knowledge that is hard to find elsewhere. In addition to food, non-edible products also play a role: floral and plant stalls offer seedlings, bedding and balcony plants, winter arrangements, or festive decorations depending on the season. This makes the market also suitable for gifts or a quick floral greeting. Last but not least, the weekly market is a good address for people with specific dietary needs – for instance, if you pay attention to short supply chains, artisanal production, or specific provenance proofs. While organic certifications may not be present at all stalls, you can specifically inquire with vendors about production methods, feeding, cultivation, and additives. This transparency is what makes market shopping special, as you do not shop anonymously but in dialogue. Those looking for inspiration can come without a shopping list and ask for recommendations for seasonal cooking: conversations often lead to new favorite recipes and a keen eye for the quality of regional foods.

Access and Parking around Maxplatz

The central location in the old town makes getting to the Weekly Market Hof particularly easy. By car, depending on your starting point, you can use the access roads to the city center and choose one of the nearby parking garages or parking spaces. Particularly convenient are the underground garage at the town hall (P2) and the Altstadt-Passage parking garage (P6), both within walking distance from Maxplatz. In total, there are more than 2,200 parking spaces available in Hof's city center, making visits relaxed even during peak times. Those who come frequently or want to stay longer can benefit from the city's long-term parking options; corresponding monthly parking tickets are available and can even be purchased electronically through the EasyPark app since 2025. Speaking of apps: In Hof, parking tickets can generally be conveniently paid via smartphone – practical if your market stroll takes longer than expected or if you want to adjust your parking time flexibly. For people with mobility restrictions, central parking options nearby are particularly valuable, as short distances facilitate access to the flat Maxplatz. Regardless of whether you arrive by car, the public transport connection is good: from Hof's main train station, you can reach the old town with the bus lines of HofBus GmbH. Central stops in the heart of the city include Theater and Sonnenplatz; from there, a short walk through the city center leads to the market. In local transport, the fares of the Greater Nuremberg Transport Association apply, allowing passengers with VGN tickets to travel flexibly. Those who want to make their journey sustainable can combine their market visit with a walk through the old town or by bicycle; parking options are available in the vicinity. It is important to pay attention to possible traffic notices before larger events in the city center, which may occasionally affect bus detours. The Hof municipal utilities provide current information online. Overall, whether by car, bus, or on foot – the paths are short, orientation is easy thanks to St. Michael's Church, and the signs to parking garages reliably lead visitors to their destination. If you have the choice, plan your visit outside the busiest peak times, such as early in the morning when the access roads are still clear and the parking garages have ample capacity.

Farmers' Market on the Last Saturday and Seasonal Themed Markets

In addition to the regular weekly market, Hof offers two recurring formats that regularly transform Maxplatz into a stage for regional culinary culture. First, the farmers' market enriches the scene on the last Saturday of each month. Additional direct marketers from the Hof district come to present their products – from eggs fresh from the farm to honey and cheese, as well as specialty breads and cakes made from traditional family recipes. The farmers' market is an ideal type for all who appreciate short distances between field, farm, and plate and seek contact with producers. It is excellent for getting to know new businesses, building supply relationships, or discovering special ingredients for the weekend. Secondly, seasonal themed markets invite culinary exploration tours. Fixed points include an Easter and an asparagus market that celebrate spring, as well as markets focusing on game specialties or South Tyrolean products. They bring additional gastronomy, crafts, and sometimes musical contributions, making Maxplatz an even stronger meeting point for families, friend groups, and guests from the region. An example of the special market culture in Hof is the large enjoyment market around Maxplatz, which took place in summer 2025 under the motto "Experience Enjoyment – Taste Regionality." On such a day, market, gastronomy, and cultural accents merge into a city festival that showcases the diversity of regional producers. For visitors, this means longer opening hours during special formats, an expanded offering beyond the regular stalls, and a supporting program that invites you to linger. Those who want to participate in so-called themed or special markets should inform themselves in advance on the city’s pages. There, dates, program points, and special features are announced, often including notes on parking and access. It is convenient that such events recur regularly, making them easy to plan. For families, days with children's offerings or participatory activities are attractive, while food lovers specifically look for tastings or product presentations. In summary, farmers' and themed markets are the perfect complement to the weekly market routine – they expand the selection, bring new producers into the city, and turn the old town into a delightful promenade on selected Saturdays.

Atmosphere, Tradition, and Special Experiences at Maxplatz

The weekly market is much more than a functional sales location in Hof. It is a social space where you meet acquaintances, learn new things, and immerse yourself in the city's lifestyle. Maxplatz provides the ideal stage for this: the cobblestones, historic facades, and proximity to St. Michael's Church create a setting where shopping becomes a weekly ritual. One word you quickly learn in Hof is "Waafen" – the Franconian chatter that is nurtured between customers and vendors. It’s not just about varieties, prices, or recipe ideas, but also about news from the neighborhood. This togetherness shapes the special market atmosphere and explains why regular customers and vendors often address each other informally. In the warmer months, the market "Stübla," run by market enthusiasts on a volunteer basis, contributes to the flair. It is an uncomplicated meeting point at Maxplatz, where seasonal, homemade delicacies are served on Saturdays – often by members of the association Markt aktiv, occasionally even by city council members or service clubs. You sit outdoors, taste, exchange ideas, and observe the happenings. The connection of culinary and culture is also evident in Saturday market services that take place between Pentecost and the harvest festival in the neighboring Michael's Church. They create moments of calm amid the market bustle and express the rootedness of the weekly market in the community. Those who pay attention to public feedback find numerous positive responses; reviews regularly highlight the freshness of the products, the friendliness of the vendors, and the pleasant atmosphere. The fact that the market is visited equally by locals and guests is due to its open structure: you can stroll through the square, taste, shop, and quickly switch to other places in the old town if needed – such as cafés, small shops, or sights. For families, it is helpful to combine the visit with suitable times of day: early morning means short distances and less crowding; around noon, especially on Saturdays, the largest number of people is present. The integration into the city culture is also evident in the way special markets and city center festivals thematically and organizationally intertwine. This creates events where gastronomy, crafts, and market stalls offer a shared experience. Those who want to get to know the region's culinary offerings get a glimpse of Upper Franconia at the weekly market: short distances from field to basket, craftsmanship with tradition, and hospitality that you can taste.

Service, Accessibility, and Useful Contact Information

Good service is evident at the Weekly Market Hof in many details. The central location and the flat area at Maxplatz ensure comfortable paths, even with strollers or wheelchairs. There are parking garages in the city center with short walking distances, and thanks to digital parking solutions, you can flexibly manage your parking time. Those traveling by bus can use the city center stops, which make the way to the market comfortably short. For organizational questions, the city of Hof is available as a contact; the Department of Public Safety and Order publishes information about the market, manages the allocation of stalls, and is reachable by phone. For vendors who want to join, there are official procedures for assigning a stall and setting up the market. Visitors benefit from the regularly updated notices from the city – including information on special markets, extended opening hours during events, or additional program points. Accessibility includes that the approach to Maxplatz is largely step-free and that designated parking spaces are available in the surrounding parking garages. The area is well signposted, and orientation is easy thanks to prominent landmarks like St. Michael's Church. For parents, it is helpful to know that morning hours are usually family-friendly; those who prefer to shop in peace should come early. Those who value personal advice can take the opportunity to receive preparation tips and learn about differences between varieties – an advantage over anonymous shopping environments. In terms of payment, cash is always a secure option at a weekly market; alternative payment methods vary by stall, so a quick inquiry while shopping is worthwhile. Those who want to combine their visit with a city stroll will find cafés and small shops in the immediate vicinity; this way, market browsing can be linked with a coffee break or a detour into retail offerings. Finally, the weekly market is also a reliable address for tourists: fixed times, central location, friendly atmosphere – and the opportunity to get to know typical specialties from Hof and the surrounding area. For current information on opening hours, themed markets, parking offers, or last-minute changes, it is worth checking the city's information pages and the Hof municipal utilities' notices on public transport and stops. This way, you are well prepared for the next market Saturday or Wednesday.

Sources:

• City of Hof – Weekly Market
• City of Hof – Parking in Hof
• Hof Municipal Utilities – Bus
• Hofer Land – Hof Weekly Market
• City of Hof – Enjoyment Market
• MHF Local Supplier – Hof Weekly Market