Finland’s mushroom season is a forest treasure hunt and a beloved activity during summer and autumn — one that’s free, delicious, and deeply rooted in local culture. From golden chanterelles (kantarelli) to the rich, nutty porcini (herkkutatti), Finnish forests offer over 60 edible mushroom species, with 10–15 safe for beginners.
Thanks to Everyman’s Right (jokamiehenoikeudet), anyone can pick mushrooms in Finland without asking permission — as long as they respect nature and stick to safe species.
This guide covers when to go, how to identify mushrooms safely, where to find them, and what to cook once you’re home.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This post is purely informative. I do not teach or encourage picking mushrooms in Finland unless you have proper knowledge; always follow reliable identification guides and local regulations to ensure your safety.
My Personal Mushroom Story
Growing up in Mexico, I picked mushrooms with my family as a child. So when I moved to Finland and heard about mushroom picking, I was ALL IN. The surprise? My Finnish husband had never picked a mushroom in his life. He had no idea where to go, how to pick them and how to cook them — and I quickly learned that Finnish people guard their mushroom spots like state secrets.
How I Got Into Mushroom Picking in Finland
After some gentle persuasion (and a promise not to reveal their spots), two of his colleagues took me mushroom picking. What I learned from them completely changed how I look at Finnish forests.
Now, mushroom picking is one of my favorite things to do in Finland. I take my kids with me, just like my parents took me when I was a child. I love the taste of soups and pies made with fresh mushrooms (although I admit, I hate the cleaning part) but it’s such a joy when my kids ask me to go pick black trumpets (mustatorvisieni) just to enjoy a soup they love.
This is the connection I have with mushroom picking — Here in Finland, forests are full of treasures. It’s not for nothing they call chanterelles (kantarelli) the “yellow gold” and black trumpets (mustatorvisieni) the “black gold” of the forest so why not savor what nature offers while enjoying a bit of forest bathing therapy, and family experiences that will turn into timeless memories? — and let’s be honest, the soup tastes even better when it comes from mushrooms you found yourself.
Nature is full of surprises!
Fun fact: back in Mexico, I once visited Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosí and found not just one, but four peyote cacti — a rare and sacred plant! Not exactly a mushroom, but an example of how nature surprises us. The Huichol people believe that “you don’t find the peyote, the peyote finds you,” and only those chosen should harvest them in the correct direction of the sun. No worries — I didn’t cut them. Peyote is endangered and hallucinogenic, so I respect nature. I just felt honored to encounter four of them!
Just like stumbling upon rare peyote cacti in Mexico, spotting black trumpets or golden chanterelles in Finnish forests can feel like finding nature’s hidden treasures. Each outing is a unique adventure, especially for travelers or beginner foragers — a small, magical connection with the forest that makes the experience truly unforgettable.
I still get excited every time: when the chanterelles pop up like bright, golden flowers, and the black trumpets? Ahh, like little black smiles waiting for you — rewarding you for spending time outdoors. That feeling is just amazing! Pure magic!
If you have the opportunity to go mushroom picking in Finland or elsewhere, do it! Nature is full of surprises!
How to Pick Edible Mushrooms Safely
Mushroom picking is “easy” but can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re picking. Finland has around 50–60 species of edible wild mushrooms that people commonly pick, but only about 10–15 are considered “safe for beginners” because they are easy to identify and have no dangerous lookalikes.
The most popular and widely picked include:
- Kantarelli (Chanterelle)
- Suppilovahvero (Funnel chanterelle)
- Herkkutatti (Porcini)
- Mustatorvisieni (Black trumpet)
- Vaaleaorakas (Hedgehog mushroom)
- Haaparousku (Lactarius trivialis) – common in eastern Finland, often salted
- Kehnäsieni (Common yellow russula)
- Korvasieni (False morel — only edible after special preparation, otherwise poisonous)
- Kantarelli (Chanterelle)
In Finnish mushroom-picking culture, people often stick to 5–8 “trusty” species they know well. The others are either less known, require special preparation, or have tricky identification.
I personally know to pick four:
- Chanterelle (Kantarelli)
- Funnel Chanterelle (Suppilovahvero)
- Porcini (Herkkutatti)
- Black Trumpet (Mustatorvisieni)
I can recognise Hedgehog mushroom (Vaaleaorakas) wich is also another beginner-friendly species, but I don’t know how to cook or use it, so I leave it in the forest! If I’m with a friend I can show the difference between chanterelle in the colour, ‘vein lines’ on the stem and the cap vein line vs ‘hedgedog spikes’
My 4 Favorite Mushrooms to Pick and Eat!
Pro Tips and friendly advice
- Only pick what you can 100% identify.
- Use a local guidebook, a mushroom identification app, or take a course.
- Join a guided mushroom tour for your first time — national parks and nature centers often organize them in August–September.
- I’m actually looking for a course to learn more about mushroom picking
- Stay away from white mushrooms — many are poisonous.
Mushroom Picking Calendar in Finland
Mushroom | Finnish Name | Season | Good For |
Chanterelle | Kantarelli | July – Sept | Soups, sauces, sautéed with butter |
Porcini | Herkkutatti | July – Sept | Risotto, pasta, drying for winter |
Funnel Chanterelle | Suppilovahvero | Sept – Nov | Soups, pies, drying for storage |
Black Trumpet | Mustatorvisieni | Aug – Oct | Gourmet sauces, soups, pasta dishes, drying |
Note: Only pick mushrooms you can 100% identify. Some edible mushrooms have dangerous lookalikes. Depending on the weather the mushroom season can change, for example this 2025 i found couple black trumpets already in July
Where to Go Mushroom Picking in Finland
Finns are very protective of their mushroom spots — and now I understand why. Mushrooms usually grow in the same place every year, so people keep their best spots secret.
I have my own small black trumpet (mustatorvisieni) spot. It’s not big, but it’s enough to make soup for my family of four. Why would I share it and risk it being empty next time? Plus, giving exact directions would mean explaining a hidden spot in the middle of the forest — something only memory and experience can navigate. After visiting this spot for over four years, it’s completely in my mind. It’s a little selfish, yes, but also hard to share!
Finding Your Own Mushroom Haven
The good news? You can find your own mushroom place too. How? Explore the forests, be patient, and trust your eyes. When I moved to Espoo, I had no idea where to start. I probably tried five different forest areas before discovering my black trumpet haven — and the best part? It’s only a ten-minute drive from my home! This year, I picked the biggest haul of chanterelles just 500 meters away from my place (Espoo).
If you live in Finland, you’ll notice that Finns prefer forest spots far from roads (more than 300 meters is considered safe). For me, “deep” doesn’t mean a long hike — especially with kids. I just need enough for a good soup that day, plus a little extra for the freezer — that’s more than enough! And if I go alone, I can venture a bit deeper.
This 2025 season, my dad visited from Mexico and found a lot of chanterelles. I ended up buying a dehydrator so I could share some with him to take back home, and still save plenty for myself. Now I can enjoy fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms for special occasions, and make the most of my little forest adventures.
Here are some of my recommended spots to start exploring:
- Home forests: Even urban forests near Espoo or Helsinki can have a treasure trove of mushrooms
- Near Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park, Luukki, Sipoonkorpi National Park
- Elsewhere: Liesjärvi National Park, Repovesi National Park
- Lapland: Special species like spruce milk caps and northern chanterelles
🍄🟫 What Do I Do with So Many Mushrooms?
After a successful mushroom-picking trip, the question always comes: what to do with all these mushrooms? Luckily, Finnish mushrooms are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways:
- Soups and sauces – a warm chanterelle soup or a creamy sauce for pasta, fish, or meat.
- Baked dishes – traditional Finnish kantarellipiirakka (cheese pie with chanterelles).
- Fusion recipes – my own twist: pan de queso with chanterelles, a South American bread made with tapioca flour (recipe coming soon!).
- Preservation – I like to dehydrate or freeze mushrooms, so I can enjoy them throughout the year and also share them with my special guests.
🇫🇮🇲🇽 Bringing Cultures Together
As we say in Mexico, cooking is a way of showing love (cocinar es una forma de querer). For me, preparing mushrooms I’ve picked myself is not only about food, but about love, family, and connection across cultures. It’s also about showing my kids both Mexican and Finnish traditions, spending time outdoors as a family, and creating flavors that connect cultures while building appreciation for nature.
It’s about teaching my kids both Mexican and Finnish traditions, spending time outdoors in Finland, and creating flavors that build appreciation for nature. In Mexican culture, spending time in the kitchen, as well as at the table, is when we find the space to connect, celebrate, and care for the people closest to us. This is how we bring cultures together.
What You Need for Mushroom Picking
Before heading into the forest, it’s good to be prepared. Here’s my basic kit for a successful mushroom adventure:
1. Container: A basket or a bucket is best for larger harvests because mushrooms stay fresh and intact. Plastic bags can be handy if you’re just on a walk and spot a few mushrooms, but if you pick more, they can get crushed and soggy.
2. Mushroom Knife: Useful for cutting mushrooms cleanly at the base. Some mushrooms can also be picked carefully by hand, especially if the ground is soft. Many mushroom knives have a small brush to clean dirt off.
3. Sturdy Boots: Forest floors can be uneven, muddy, and full of roots. Waterproof boots are a lifesaver like Nokian Kontio Classic.
4. Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and ticks are common during mushroom season. Care Plus Anti Insect is my go to Anti Insect Finnish brand to go to the forest!
5. Cap: A hat or cap protects you from sun, rain, or low branches while walking through the forest. Nordic Buddies have cool Moonin Designs!
6. Water Bottle: A handy bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated. Choose one that can keep drinks hot or cold if you plan a longer walk. Love the design and ergonomis of Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip (519ml)
FAQ – Mushroom Picking in Finland
Q: Do I need a permit to pick berries or mushrooms in Finland?
A: No. Thanks to Everyman’s Right (jokamiehenoikeudet), anyone can forage freely outside protected areas. Just be respectful of nature.
Q: How much can I pick?
A: As much as you want for personal use, but be mindful — only take what you can eat or preserve.
Q: Can I sell what I pick?
A: Yes, but only fresh, safe, and identifiable species. Homemade jams or dried mushrooms for sale may require permits.
Q: When is the best month for mushroom picking?
A: Typically June to October, depending on the weather. Some species, like korvasieni (false morel), can appear earlier in spring.
Q: When is the best month for berry picking?
A: Starts in June with strawberries and ends in late September with lingonberries.
Q: Which mushrooms are safest for beginners?
A: Chanterelle (kantarelli), Funnel Chanterelle (suppilovahvero), Porcini (herkkutatti), Black Trumpet (mustatorvisieni), and Hedgehog Mushroom (vaaleaorakas). Only pick what you can confidently identify.
Q: How can I learn to identify mushrooms safely?
A: Use local guidebooks, apps, or join a guided mushroom tour in August–September. You can also take mushroom courses offered by nature centers.
Q: Are there dangerous mushrooms I should avoid?
A: Yes — white mushrooms are often poisonous, and some species like korvasieni require careful preparation. Never eat anything unless you are 100% sure it’s safe.
Q: Can kids join mushroom picking?
A: Absolutely! Mushroom picking is a fun family activity. Start with easy-to-identify species and supervise children carefully.
Q: Can mushrooms grow near cities?
A: Yes! Even urban forests in Espoo or Helsinki can be surprisingly productive. Explore, be patient, and trust your eyes.
Q: How do Finnish people find their best spots?
A: Many return to the same forests each year and keep their secret locations. The key is to explore and learn over time.
Q: Can mushrooms be stored for winter?
A: Yes! Fresh mushrooms can be frozen or dehydrated. Many Finns, including myself, use a dehydrator to enjoy mushrooms year-round.
