Oberhof itself is small and easily covered on foot. The town centre, hotel zone, and main ski arena are all within walking distance of each other.
In winter, ski lifts and a gondola connect the town to the slopes, making it easy to get to and from the pistes without a car.
In summer, shuttle buses run to the Rennsteiggarten and the Schneekopf trailhead, saving the uphill walk if you prefer. The Rennsteig ridge trail is accessible directly on foot from the town.
A car is useful if you want to explore the wider Thuringian Forest — villages, trails, and viewpoints are spread out across the hills and not always well served by public transport.