Mushroom picking in South Tyrol

From forest to table: how to find mushrooms in South Tyrol - correctly and respectfully

Mushroom hunting is a special experience: a walk in the woods with a culinary reward, an exciting treasure hunt amidst fresh air and fragrant nature. But there are a few things to keep in mind when picking mushrooms in South Tyrol. Here you'll find all the important information:

Mushroom picking in South Tyrol is regulated by law

Picking is only permitted on even-numbered days between 7 am and 7 pm.
Residents of the respective municipality may collect up to 2 kg of mushrooms per day per person.
Non-residents may collect up to 1 kg of mushrooms per day per person.
Non-residents pay a fee of 10.00 Euros per day per person.
You must be able to provide identification upon inspection.
Mushrooms must be roughly cleaned at the site of discovery.
Transport them in a sturdy, breathable container.
Collecting with rakes or similar tools is prohibited.
Cut the mushrooms with a knife, leaving the lower part of the stem in the ground.

Fees for non-residents

The fee is to be paid into the municipality's postal checking account. Information regarding the account details can be obtained from the respective municipality. On the payment slip, state the reason for payment and the day for which the picking permit is valid: You must present the payment confirmation along with your identification during inspections.

Mushroom advisory service - utilise expert knowledge

Not every mushroom is edible! South Tyrol has many poisonous, some even deadly, mushroom species. Therefore, it's essential to have your collected mushrooms checked by experts. Free inspection points are available in all four health districts of South Tyrol. The service is offered by appointment: Mycological Inspection Points (availble in German and Italian language).

Safety in the forest

In the forest, be mindful not only of poisonous mushrooms but also of your own safety. Ravines, steep slopes, scree, and loose rocks can lead to accidents. Inform someone about your planned route if you're going alone, and keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Avoid disturbing animals and respect breeding and nesting seasons.

Encounters with wildlife

Marmots and foxes, ibex and red deer, wolves and bears - South Tyrol boasts diverse wildlife.

Themed trails about mushrooms

The world of mushrooms can be discovered on several family-friendly themed trails. In the Laranza Forest in Siusi allo Sciliar, the Mushroom Path provides information about edible and poisonous mushroom species through artistically carved tree trunks. About an hour's drive away, in Vizze in the Upper Valle Isarco, the Mushroom Path in the Val di Vizze awaits you.

Interesting facts about mushrooms

The peak seasons for mushroom picking are late summer and autumn.
Ideal weather conditions for mushroom growth: humidity followed by warmth.
It's best to process mushrooms fresh: If that's not possible, store them in a cool place.
Mushrooms are highly dependent on the environment and specific habitats.
Chanterelles are found in spruce and pine forests, often hidden deep in the moss.
Porcini mushrooms grow in summer and autumn, primarily under spruce, pine, and beech trees.
Parasol mushrooms are recognisable by their movable ring on the stem.
In the Middle Ages, mushrooms were considered immortal and viewed as living beings.
Today, mushrooms constitute their own kingdom alongside plants and animals.
Like plants, mushrooms are sessile, but like animals, they feed on organic substances.