Mushroom hunting helsinki tour title image

A mushroom hunting tour from Helsinki

Details:

Duration: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Level of fitness required: Basic
Language: English
Group size: Up to 8 persons
Included: Transportation, Professional guide, Mushroom basket with a knife and a handbook, Finnish-style lunch and coffee by the fire
Availability: August - October
Pick-up location: Central Helsinki - link here
Gear needed: Walking shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, and a water bottle
Price: 145 € per person

Detailed itinerary and booking calendar below.

Finland is one of the world’s best places for foraging wild foods

“As you walk through the forests, your eye catches a glimpse of golden yellow at the foot of an old birch, a small treasure in a sea of green: the chanterelle...”

This guided foraging tour from Helsinki immerses us into the forest and the magical world of fungi. Bright oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds decorate the forest floor. We are in search of Finland's most delicious and prized edible mushrooms, the chanterelle. It is also a personal favourite here at Taiga Times.

Highlights:
• Forage with a professional guide in a national park
• Learn how to identify specific edible mushrooms
• Help prepare and cook your wild fungi finds
• Enjoy a Finnish-style lunch and coffee by the campfire

Searching for wild food has a powerful effect on how people see the natural world

From the end of summer until late autumn, Liesjärvi National Park is a foragers paradise. Aside from the golden chanterelle, our group will be in search of penny buns and trumpet chanterelles. These three prized fungi of the forest are great introductory-level choices to pique your interest in mushroom hunting.

However, as the name suggests, it is a hunt! We cannot always find what we are looking for, and although most of the mushrooms are harmless, there are many poisonous ones too. But not to worry, for your guide will accurately advise and direct you to edible mushrooms and will be available to explain about the ones you have found.

If we collect enough to cook, we will fry them over the campfire for lunch! Fortunately for us, if there are no edible mushrooms to be found, we will still have plenty to scavenge and talk about!

BOOK NOW

If you would like to have this trip as a private tour or booking with less than 16 hours before the start time, please contact us here.

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Journey for the day

Click below to see a more detailed itinerary or book now!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE TRIP SCHEDULE

From Start to Finish: Your Journey for the Day

On this day trip we spend approximately 4.5 hours within the national park. With transportation the total length of this nature tour is 7 hours.

Arrival and the Hunt

Once we have arrived at Liesjärvi National Park, our group will begin their hike through the forest to some of our favorite mushroom picking spots. Your guide will tell you what mushrooms can be picked and eaten. You will be hunting the mushrooms in pairs, and each pair is provided with a mushroom basket, knife, and a small handbook. Since the groups are small, your guide will always be able to provide you with personal answers and attend to your needs.

Savory Lunch in the Quiet Forest

When our group has gathered enough mushrooms, we will make our way to the campfire by the lakeside. While your guide starts the fire and prepares a traditional Finnish-style lunch with campfire coffee, there will be plenty of time to take photos, enjoy conversation with one another, and experience the tranquility of the Taiga forest.

Cooking and Provided Transportation

As mentioned earlier, the group may have the chance to cook and taste any mushrooms which have been picked. After lunch, the group will continue to explore the natural beauty of Liesjärvi and we will make our way back to the starting point. We will drop you off in central Helsinki feeling rejuvenated from this wonderful adventure.