Mushrooming in Gauja National Park
About
Join a professional mycologist on a mushroom-picking tour, blending the fascinating world of fungi with local culinary traditions. Latvia, known for its vibrant mushroom-gathering culture, sees many people with baskets full of mushrooms along country roads in autumn. The tour includes a scenic ride from Riga to Sigulda, where you'll meet the guide and learn about edible and poisonous species. Spend 2-3 hours picking mushrooms, then sort your finds with the guide. The tour concludes with a short drive and a mushroom tasting, featuring dishes prepared by a local guest house owner.
Tour profile
Additional activities
Wild foods
Duration
1 day
Distance
3-5 km
Location
Gaujas National Park
Difficulty
Who can participate?
Individuals, Groups (max 15 persons) minimum 5 pers.
Season
Autumn
Price
Starting at EUR 75 EUR/person (minimum group of 5 persons)
Include in price:
Tour guide/mycologist
Mushrooming tour (~2-3h)
Mushroom dishes` tasting in guest house Mauriņi (2-3h)
Mushrooming equipment for the day (if necessary) – basket, knife
Not included in price (optional): Bus transfer from Riga to Sigulda vicinity, guest house and back to Riga
Include in price:
Tour guide/mycologist
Mushrooming tour (~2-3h)
Mushroom dishes` tasting in guest house Mauriņi (2-3h)
Mushrooming equipment for the day (if necessary) – basket, knife
Not included in price (optional): Bus transfer from Riga to Sigulda vicinity, guest house and back to Riga
Practical Information
- Pick-up is possible on a request
-
Notes
Several hours are spent in the forests, as mushroom picking is a slow process. Wear long trousers, closed shoes (rubber boots are fine), and a raincoat. The tour is perfect for those who enjoy forests, wildlife, and have an interest in mushrooms and their various methods of preparation.
The most popular edible mushrooms include various Boletus and Chanterelles. During the tour, you'll forage for species like Chanterelles, Russulas, and various Boletus, Birch Boletes, Aspen Bolete and others. During the tour the guide will also show you some rare and interesting species which are neither edible nor poisonous; some of them could be used in different ways, for example for dyeing wool in various colours.
