Zurich’s Mushroom Season

Growing in the forests around Zurich are edible wild mushrooms, which often end up in the cooking pots in the local restaurants.

The Mushroom Season in Zurich

In fall, mushrooms sprout from the ground in the forests in and around Zurich. They can be enjoyed in various dishes served up in the local restaurants.

In Switzerland, food lovers particularly look forward to fall ‒ for that is also the game and mushroom season. But what many people do not know is that all kinds of well-known edible mushrooms grow in the urban forests around Zurich – such as porcini, puffball mushrooms, parasol mushrooms and various types of russula, as well as button and blusher mushrooms. Even Burgundy truffles can be found close to the city.

In fall, those who prefer to enjoy mushrooms direct from the plate will find delicious mushroom dishes at the restaurants listed below.

Foraging for Mushrooms Yourself

Of course, expert mushroom pickers will never reveal the exact places to find mushrooms, but this much can be said: edible mushrooms can be found in fall on the Uetliberg, Hönggerberg and Zürichberg. As far as picking is concerned, the following regulations apply in Canton Zurich: it is not permitted to pick mushrooms during the first 10 days of the month; after that, a maximum of 1kg (2.2lbs) per day/person.

Mushroom Inspection Office

Great care should be always taken when picking mushrooms. Many edible mushrooms closely resemble poisonous ones, which can lead to anything from relatively harmless stomach disorders to death by poisoning. Consequently, it is always advisable to get your mushrooms officially identified at an inspection office (this service is free of charge). Incidentally, one of Zurich’s 33 cantonal and official mushroom inspection offices is located just a stone’s throw from the Main Train Station. Further information: vapko.ch