Where to find mushrooms near Prague during foraging season

With rain in recent weeks showering across the Czech capital, mushroom-picking season is in full swing: and now we’re at the peak. 

But if you think you need to drive hours into the countryside and explore unknown forests, think again. Prague’s forests, parks, and even courtyards are bursting with fungi right now, and you can take advantage. Grab your basket and check out these top spots.

Even the inner districts are hiding mushrooms. According to Robert Hanzlík, the administrator of this large online mushroom community, you can find them in popular, expat areas.

In Žižkov, for example, pickers have found edible species in apartment courtyards, Hanzlík tells Czech media outlet Novinky.cz. Karlín has sprouted morels in mulched flowerbeds, and oyster mushrooms have even grown at Olšanské Cemetery. 

“Where there is more continuous greenery, there is a chance to pick mushrooms, including places such as botanical gardens,” Hanzlík said.

Central parks are therefore not only for picnics but can also surprise with unusual mushrooms. Petřín Hill, Kinský Garden, and Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady) have all recently produced rare finds, such as Vittadini’s fly agaric and royal boletes. 

Parks often harbor species you won’t easily find in deep forests, making them a rewarding choice for variety.

Venture outside of the center, and you’re in for a treat amid the backdrop of beautiful scenery. For a proper forest feel, head west. The Hvězda reserve, though busy with joggers and families, still hides edible gems if you know where to look. 

Divoká and Tichá Šárka offer larger landscapes, where pigeon mushrooms and even king boletes have been spotted, especially in the quieter evenings. Few people actually forage here, which means better chances for you.

In the south and east, Kunratický háj and Klánovický les are among the capital’s best-known mushrooming forests. 

Locals say Klánovický is a favorite for its size and variety of species, while Kunratický is perfect for a quick evening forage after work. These green havens come alive after rainfall when boletes and other edible treasures burst from the soil.

Southwest Prague’s Chuchelský háj is considered a crown jewel by mycologists. Not only can you find summer truffles and king boletes here, but several fungi new to the Czech Republic were first recorded in this grove. 

If you want to mix a scenic forest walk with the chance of spotting something unique, this is your must-visit.

Bring a basket (not plastic) and always double-check what you gather. The best time to hunt is after heavy rains when the soil is moist, though climate change can affect yields. Use interactive maps, forums, and resources from the Czech Mycological Society to plan trips, and consider joining organized walks.

Always pick the whole mushroom to identify it properly, take photos of its natural habitat, and consult up-to-date atlases or apps to ensure safe and accurate identification.