Learn to identify mushrooms with guided mushroom hikes

Learn how to reliably distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous species in practical mushroom seminars . Our expert mushroom experts will show you how to identify, collect, and enjoy native mushrooms responsibly.

Identify mushroom species & recognize edible mushrooms

Mushrooms are mysterious creatures. They are neither plants nor animals, but independent organisms that have always captured our imagination. Exciting myths and stories surround them. Mushrooms perform important functions in the forest: They decompose wood, nourish trees , and are essential for a healthy ecosystem . Those who delve deeper into the world of mushrooms will not only discover delicious edible mushrooms , but also experience the forest from a completely new perspective.

What types of mushrooms actually grow in our forests?

Native mushrooms are fascinating in their diversity. To be able to harvest mushrooms successfully and safely, it's worth getting to know the mushroom species found in our forests.

Porcini mushrooms, chanterelles or button mushrooms – popular examples at a glance:

• Porcini: A prized edible mushroom, easily recognizable by its bold brown cap and sturdy white stem . It prefers mixed and coniferous forests and is especially sought after by collectors.
• Chanterelle: Striking for its golden-yellow color and funnel-shaped fruiting bodies, this aromatic edible mushroom often grows in large groups, especially in moss-rich forests.
• Mushroom: Characterized by its white to slightly brownish cap and a slender, light-colored stem . But beware: Mushrooms have dangerous doppelgangers!

Beginner mushrooms: The best mushrooms for beginners

Some mushroom species are particularly suitable for mushroom novices. These beginner mushrooms are characterized by their distinctive appearance and ease of identification. They not only offer a first taste of mushroom picking , but are also delicious edible mushrooms . Beginner mushrooms offer an easy introduction to the world of mushroom picking and help you develop a sure instinct for nature and mushroom identification .

• Boletes : The chestnut bolete is a particularly popular edible mushroom. Its sponge-like underside makes it easy to distinguish from poisonous gilled mushrooms, making it ideal for beginners.
• Parasol : The parasol has a large, umbrella-like cap and is an absolute delight. Its size and shape make it easy to identify, even for beginners.
• Honey fungus : Although poisonous when raw, the honey fungus transforms into a tasty mushroom when cooked, suitable for experienced collectors and beginners alike.

Discover particularly beautiful and striking mushrooms

It doesn't always have to be edible mushrooms that attract attention. In addition to the edible species, our local forests are home to numerous fascinating mushrooms that stand out for their unique shapes, striking colors, and interesting structures. Discovering and observing these mushrooms is just as much fun as mushroom picking itself. Some of these mushrooms are true natural wonders that not only delight the eye on a hike in the forest but also offer exciting photo opportunities:

• Fly agaric : The bright red fly agaric with its characteristic white spots is one of the most recognizable and striking mushrooms. Many people know that this mushroom is extremely poisonous . In addition to its striking appearance, it is also a popular photo subject – its striking color attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.
• Cuttlefish fungus : This fungus came to Europe from Australia. It has a very unusual shape, reminiscent of an octopus spreading its "arms." A fascinating sight often found in wetlands.
• Curly Hemlock : The Curly Hemlock has a bizarre, yellow to orange structure reminiscent of a fan-shaped flower. It's not only beautiful to look at but also a popular edible mushroom.
• Puffball : The puffball , also known as the "bladder sponge," has a round, usually white shape and often grows in forests or meadows. Interestingly, when crushed, the fruiting body creates a "puff of dust" that releases the spores.

Caution: Poisonous! You should definitely know these native poisonous mushrooms

Our forests are home not only to delicious edible mushrooms , but also to numerous poisonous mushrooms , the consumption of which can be dangerous or even fatal. Many of these dangerous species are so similar to edible mushrooms that inexperienced collectors can hardly distinguish them from the safe ones. If you want to collect mushrooms, it is therefore important to familiarize yourself with mushroom identification and to be familiar with the poisonous mushrooms found in our area. Here is an initial overview of some of the poisonous mushrooms found in our area:

• Death Cap (Amanita phalloides): This poisonous mushroom is one of the most dangerous species in our forests. Its resemblance to the edible button mushroom makes it particularly treacherous. Even a small bite of this mushroom can cause severe poisoning and, in many cases, be fatal.
• Poisonous fungus (Galerina marginata): This small, inconspicuous mushroom prefers to grow on dead wood and can easily be mistaken for edible birch mushrooms. Its toxins are among the most dangerous known; even small amounts can be fatal. The poisonous fungus is found in both coniferous and deciduous forests, making the risk of confusion particularly high.
• Panther mushroom (Amanita pantherina): The panther mushroom is a poisonous mushroom with a cap that ranges from café-au-lait to ochre-brown, covered with white flakes. It prefers to grow in deciduous and coniferous forests and can easily be confused with the amanita or the pearl mushroom . The panther mushroom contains similar toxins to the fly agaric , but in higher concentrations, which can lead to severe poisoning.

Poison or pleasure? Why you should be able to identify mushrooms with certainty

Mushrooms are fascinating and offer incredible diversity, but there's often only a subtle difference between poisonous mushrooms and delicious edible mushrooms like porcini or chanterelle. Many mushroom species look so similar that even experienced collectors sometimes have difficulty distinguishing them with certainty.

It is particularly dangerous with potentially deadly mushrooms such as the death cap , even a small amount of which can cause severe poisoning.

Without the right knowledge, the consequences can be dramatic, but that's where the mushroom seminar at Wohlleben's Forest Academy comes in. Our mushroom experts will give you a comprehensive overview of the most important mushroom species and explain what to look for when identifying them to ensure safe forest exploration.

Mushroom picking like a pro – The golden rules of mushroom picking

Mushroom picking is an exciting and rewarding activity, but there are a few rules you should follow. Our mushroom experts will give you valuable tips to help you respect nature and stay safe while picking .

1. Pay attention to the season : Collect mushrooms only during their natural growing season to preserve biodiversity.
2. Avoid poisonous look-alikes : Many poisonous mushrooms resemble edible species. Learn to spot the differences early on.
3. Only collect what you know for sure : if you are unsure, leave the mushroom alone!
4. Focus on sustainability : Cut the mushroom with a knife to avoid damaging the mycelium structure and to encourage regrowth.
5. Be careful when harvesting : Collect only fresh, undamaged mushrooms that are free from worms or rot . Moldy mushrooms are not suitable for consumption.

These tips will help you pick mushrooms wisely—but this is just a first overview. The true art of mushroom identification is best learned on a guided mushroom hike or mushroom seminar .

Are there mushrooms yet? When is the best time for a mushroom hunt?

A mushroom hike is not only an exciting adventure, but also an opportunity to experience the fascinating world of mushrooms up close. But when is the best time to hunt for mushrooms in the forest ?

Seasonal mushroom species

Different types of mushrooms grow from spring to autumn. The majority of native edible mushrooms appear between late summer and early autumn—this is the ideal time to pick mushrooms. Especially when the weather is ideal for mushroom growth, many delicious species such as porcini , chanterelle , and chestnut boletus can be found in the forest.

Start of the mushroom season

Whether mushrooms are already growing in the forest depends on weather conditions. If there is enough rain in spring and temperatures rise, you can find the first mushrooms as early as May. However, the optimal time is usually between June and October, when most mushroom species appear in full bloom.

Ready to discover the fascinating world of mushrooms?

Our mushroom hikes and mushroom seminars offer you the perfect opportunity to expand your mushroom identification skills. Under the guidance of our experts, you'll learn how to reliably distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones and gain confidence in your abilities. In small groups and through practical workshops in nature, you'll experience the diversity of native mushroom species up close and get to know mushrooms up close.