The mushroom season has officially begun, and Greater Poland’s forests are filling up with life. Mushroom picking is more than just a hobby here – it’s a national passion. With its diverse forests and centuries-old traditions, Greater Poland is one of the best regions in Poland to experience it. If you’re wondering where to head this season, here’s a guide to the top spots for mushroom picking 2025.
A National Sport: Mushroom Picking in Poland
For many Poles, mushroom picking – known as grzybobranie – is almost a ritual. Families venture into the forest at dawn, armed with baskets, knives, and thermoses of tea. It’s a blend of patience, instinct, and knowledge, and the reward is not just a meal, but the joy of discovery. Greater Poland is particularly rich in pine forests with birch and oak mixed in, which makes it perfect ground for edible mushrooms.
Most of the forests here belong to the State Forests (Lasy Państwowe), which means they are generally open to the public. They are also well-prepared for visitors: with forest car parks, access roads, rest areas, and picnic spots. All you need to do is check the weather. Warm days following periods of rain create ideal mushroom-growing conditions – especially important to keep in mind during mushroom picking 2025.
Top Mushroom Picking Locations in Greater Poland
While almost every corner of Greater Poland offers good foraging opportunities, some places have long been favourites among local mushroom hunters. Here are the most reliable and productive areas you can explore this season:
Puszcza Notecka (Noteć Forest)
Stretching from Skwierzyna in the west to Oborniki and Rogoźno in the east, this vast pine forest with birch and oak admixtures is one of the most iconic mushroom areas in Poland. You’ll find boletes, bay boletes, chanterelles, and parasols here. The forest is well connected: the railway line from Poznań to Szczecin cuts through it, with stops at Miał, Mokrzu, Wronki, and Krzyż Wielkopolski. Towns like Sieraków, Wieleń, Trzcianka, and Piła make excellent bases for longer stays, with plenty of agritourism options for mushroom picking 2025.
The Nowy Tomyśl – Zbąszyń – Miedzichowo Triangle
Known for its scenic landscapes with streams and post-glacial lakes, this area is rich in mushrooms and easy to reach thanks to the A2 motorway. Boletes, saffron milk caps, and hedgehog mushrooms can all be found here. With kayaking routes nearby, it’s the perfect place to combine mushroom picking with outdoor adventure.
Czerniejewo and Powidz
In the Gniezno and Słupca counties, these forests may be smaller, but they’re diverse in species and easily accessible. Locals swear by them for a guaranteed harvest of boletes, bay boletes, and red-capped scaber stalks. After foraging, you can reward yourself with a meal at the historic Czerniejewo Palace or head to the lakes near Powidz – an excellent plan for mushroom picking 2025.
Puszcza Zielonka
The closest major mushroom-picking forest to Poznań, Puszcza Zielonka attracts crowds each autumn. Its mixed woodlands are home to oysters, boletes, and chanterelles. Competition can be fierce, but even if you don’t fill your basket, a walk among the rolling, picturesque hills is worth the trip. It remains one of the most popular destinations for mushroom picking 2025 near Poznań.
Lesser-Known But Rewarding Spots
- Środa Wielkopolska & Zaniemyśl: sulphur polypores, orange birch boletes.
- Kalisz area: red and poplar scaber stalks.
- Międzychód surroundings: peaceful forests yielding boletes, chanterelles, and butter mushrooms.
- Koźmin Wielkopolski: parasol mushrooms and brown boletes.
- Boszkowo (Leszno county): famous for its brown and noble boletes, as well as butter mushrooms.
Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Foraging
Mushroom picking requires both excitement and caution. Here are some golden rules to follow:
- Only pick what you know: If you’re not 100% certain, leave it. Many poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible species.
- Use a field guide or app: Bring along a mushroom atlas or a trusted mobile app.
- Check health and condition: Avoid old, wormy, or discoloured mushrooms.
- Carry a map: Both paper and digital – forests can be disorienting.
- Consult experts: If in doubt, mushroom classifiers at sanitary stations (Sanepid) can check your finds free of charge.
These tips will help make mushroom picking 2025 both enjoyable and safe.
After the Hunt: Where to Eat
After hours in the forest, nothing beats sharing a hearty meal. Restaurants in Wronki and Miał are known for their forest-inspired dishes. For a more refined experience, head to Smolarnia or the palace restaurant in Czerniejewo. If you’re near Nowy Tomyśl or Sieraków, consider dining at Folwark Wąsowo or Olandia in Prusim – both celebrate regional flavors and seasonal produce. Perfect culinary stops after mushroom picking 2025.
What to Do If You Suspect Mushroom Poisoning
Despite caution, accidents can happen. Symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. If poisoning is suspected:
- Call medical help immediately.
- Keep any leftover mushrooms for identification.
- Drink fluids, but do not induce vomiting without medical advice.
Greater Poland: A Mushroom Lover’s Paradise
From the mighty Puszcza Notecka to the quieter woods near Międzychód or Boszkowo, Greater Poland offers something for every mushroom hunter. Whether you’re after a quiet walk, a family trip, or the thrill of filling your basket, the forests are waiting. With mushroom picking 2025 in full swing, it’s the perfect moment to embrace this national tradition. Just remember: safety first, respect for nature always, and a bit of patience.
