Twin towns
Town twinning has existed for a very long time and in some cases dates back to the 1920s. After the Second World War, however, it was the British occupying power that wanted to contribute to international understanding with the idea of town twinning. Friendly relations between German and British towns and their citizens were intended to heal wounds and overcome fears, reservations and prejudices through civil encounters. This resulted in personal friendships that transcended cultural and language barriers. The idea was quickly adopted by other countries. In particular, many partnerships were formed between German and French cities.
Nachrichten über unsere Partnerstädte
Hofheim initially twinned with Chinon in France in 1967. In 1980, it was twinned with Tiverton in England, which was and is also twinned with Chinon, a triangular partnership. Twinning agreements were concluded with Buccino in Italy in 2008 and with Pruszcz Gdański in Poland in 2012. Hofheim now maintains friendly partnerships with four cities in Europe. The naming of the Chinon, Buccino and Tiverton squares in Hofheim's city center are an outward sign of this bond.
The meeting rooms in the town hall also bear the names of the twin towns.
In order to fill the partnerships with life, the Förderkreis Hofheimer Städtepartnerschaften e.V has set itself the task of organizing visits and return visits for citizens of all five towns. The visitors are usually accommodated privately in Hofheim as well as in the twin towns. This allows a deep and very personal insight into the culture and life in the twin town. Many long-term friendships have been formed.
A particular concern is to allow young people to participate in the town twinning program. The Förderkreis regularly organizes programmes that are specially tailored to young people. For example, French school pupils regularly complete an internship at a Hofheim company or public authority. There have also been and continue to be direct encounters between the Hofheim and twinning associations.
The long-standing idea of town twinning is still absolutely justified today. The EU promotes citizens' meetings and the direct exchange of experiences on a wide range of topics of European interest. "The aim of the project funding is to bring together many citizens of all ages and with different social and/or professional backgrounds from the twin towns in order to encourage them to engage with the EU and the current social and political challenges in Europe."
Mr. Matthias Hees, City Councillor, and Ms. Wioletta Anderst-Bodenschatz are responsible for town twinning in Department V of the City of Hofheim. Both will be happy to answer your questions and receive your suggestions.
Further information can be found on the homepage of the Hofheim Town Twinning Association (FHS).
April 2026: A festival of encounters - Europe Day 2026 in Hofheim
Just like last year, the cozy square "Am Untertor" was transformed into a lively "little square" full of warmth on Sunday, 26 April 2026. In bright sunshine, we celebrated a Europe Day that could hardly have been more beautiful!
Hours were filled with laughter, inspiring conversations and special encounters.
Our "creative minds" transformed the Untertor into a colorful workshop. The Hofheim KulturWerkstatt delighted the children with a variety of painting and craft activities. It was a joy to see how eagerly, passionately and proudly the young artists worked on their creations - the happy faces spoke volumes.
At the same time, the Förderkreis Hofheimer Städtepartnerschaften offered a varied program for all ages. From tricky puzzles and exciting games to European quizzes for children and adults, everything was on offer. A special highlight was the city rally through Hofheim's old town. Numerous participants explored the historic alleyways and solved puzzles about Hofheim, Europe and our town twinning. Their efforts were rewarded on their return with great prizes generously sponsored by local businesses.
There was also plenty of food and drink on offer - a real feast for the senses! The Ukrainian Initiative spoiled the guests with a variety of homemade baked specialties, which were lovingly prepared according to traditional recipes. The Hofheim Entonneurs were the perfect choice for those looking for something sophisticated and convivial: they served the highly esteemed Chinon wine from our French twin town. Together with fresh pretzels, sweet chocolate lollies, fruit and cool drinks, no culinary wishes were left unfulfilled.
This day once again showed how strong the cohesion and joy of exchange is in our city. A huge thank you to everyone involved who put so much effort into organizing this event. We look back happily on a day that brought diversity and friendship to life in the heart of Hofheim.
from the Hofheim Town Twinning Association
City councillor for town twinning
Matthias Hees
mhees(at)hofheim.de
0160-4055659
Contact person at the town hall:
Wioletta Anderst-Bodenschatz