Zurich’s Best-Kept Secret: the Hidden World of Mushrooms!

Nestled in a former water reservoir, Zurich’s best-kept secret promises an immersive journey into the fascinating world of fungi. This urban organic mushroom production facility offers a unique two-hour tour, allowing visitors to touch, smell, and taste fresh mushrooms while learning about sustainable food practices and cultivation techniques. With hands-on experiences and practical tips for home growing, this hidden gem caters to foodies and nature lovers alike, unveiling the captivating and often overlooked realm of mushrooms.

Good To Know

• Discover an urban organic mushroom production facility hidden in a disused water reservoir, just 15 minutes from Zurich’s main station.
• Enjoy hands-on experiences to touch, smell, and taste fresh mushrooms, while learning about sustainable food practices and mushroom cultivation.
• Take home practical tips for growing mushrooms at home using provided kits, and have the option to purchase freshly harvested mushrooms on-site.
• Explore the facility’s focus on closed-loop systems and resource recycling, with a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
• Participate in an educational program that promotes sustainable food practices and transparency, led by passionate experts in the field.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour is offered with a duration of 2 hours and is priced from $78.34 per person.

Group size is limited to 8 participants, and the tour is available in German and English.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour allows guests to reserve their spot and pay later.

Guests can reserve their spot for the tour and pay later.

Visitors will gain insight into the entire mushroom cultivation process, from touch, smell, and taste to educational insights on sustainable food practices and practical tips for growing mushrooms at home.

Freshly harvested mushrooms and growing kits can also be purchased.

Experience and Highlights

During the 2-hour guided tour, participants gain insight into the entire mushroom cultivation process at the urban organic mushroom production facility.

The experience highlights include:

• Hands-on opportunities to touch, smell, and taste the fresh mushrooms grown on-site

• Educational insights into sustainable food practices and the importance of ecological cycles

• Active participation in various stages of mushroom cultivation

• Practical tips for growing mushrooms at home using the provided mushroom growing kits

• The chance to purchase freshly harvested mushrooms directly from the source.

Unique Location and Accessibility

Situated just 15 minutes from Zurich’s main station, the urban organic mushroom production facility is housed in a disused water reservoir, offering a unique location for the tour.

The meeting point is at Friesenbergstrasse 360, near the Zielweg bus stop on line 73. It’s a 100-meter walk from the bus stop, marked by a blue Züripilz banner.

Inexpensive parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery at Friesenbergstrasse 330.

Visitors can expect an easy commute to the facility and convenient parking options, ensuring a seamless start to their mushroom cultivation experience.

Sustainability and Background

At the core of this urban mushroom production facility lies a focus on sustainable cultivation practices.

This project was spearheaded by a civil engineer and a video journalist passionate about ecological cycles and organic agriculture. The facility is certified organic, emphasizing:

• Closed-loop systems that recycle resources

• Minimized environmental impact through reduced waste and energy use

• Educational programs to promote sustainable food practices

• Transparent processes that allow visitors to observe the entire mushroom cultivation journey

• Opportunities for customers to purchase fresh, local mushrooms and grow their own at home.

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What to Expect During the Tour

Though the tour is only 2 hours long, visitors can expect to be immersed in the hidden world of mushroom cultivation.

They’ll witness the entire mushroom growing process, from spore to harvest. Attendees can touch, smell, and even taste the fresh mushrooms. Knowledgeable guides provide educational insights into sustainable food practices and offer practical tips for growing mushrooms at home.

During the tour, visitors can enjoy the mushroom cultivation process, engaging all their senses and gaining practical insights.

Participants have hands-on opportunities to engage with the process. Afterwards, visitors can purchase freshly harvested mushrooms and mushroom growing kits to continue their exploration.

The tour promises an intimate, informative experience in an unexpected urban setting.

Preparing for the Tour

Visitors should arrive at the designated meeting point, Friesenbergstrasse 360, near the Zielweg bus stop (line 73).

This urban mushroom farm tour requires some preparation:

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as the tour includes entering maturing chambers.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs, as the tour emphasizes sustainable practices.

• Be prepared to follow safety protocols, including wearing medical gloves and breathing masks provided by the guide when entering specialized areas.

• Bring a camera to capture the unique setting and the various stages of mushroom cultivation.

• Allow approximately 15 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the farm entrance, which is marked with a blue Züripilz banner.

Purchasing Mushrooms and Growing Kits

What’s more, visitors have the opportunity to purchase freshly harvested mushrooms and take home their own mushroom growing kits.

The tour guides offer a selection of gourmet mushrooms grown on-site, including oyster, lion’s mane, and king oyster varieties.

Visitors can also purchase mushroom grow kits, complete with pre-inoculated substrate and instructions for cultivating mushrooms at home.

These kits make for a unique souvenir and allow guests to continue exploring the joys of sustainable urban farming long after the tour has ended.

The opportunity to bring a piece of the experience home is a highlight for many participants.

Additional Information and Tips

What else should participants know before the tour? The organizers provide all necessary safety equipment, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Participants should avoid wearing strong fragrances, as the mushroom facility is a delicate environment. While the tour is family-friendly, children under 12 aren’t permitted due to safety considerations.

Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the mushrooms. Finally, the tour is held rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes

• Avoid strong fragrances

• No children under 12 allowed

• Photography allowed, no flash

• Tour held rain or shine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally not recommended for children. The tour involves active participation and handling of mushrooms, and the maturing chamber may have safety restrictions that make it unsuitable for young visitors.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Other Languages?

The tour is conducted in both German and English. Besides these languages, the experience may not be available in other languages.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or special offers. However, it has a free cancellation policy and allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront, providing flexibility in booking.

How Often Do the Tours Run per Week?

The tours run twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Participants can choose from the available tour times and book their spot in advance to secure their preferred schedule.

Can I Bring My Own Mushrooms for the Guide to Inspect?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t allow participants to bring their own mushrooms. The guide focuses on the farm’s organic mushroom cultivation, and handling outside mushrooms could compromise the tour’s safety and educational experience.

The Sum Up

Zurich’s hidden mushroom facility offers a unique adventure for foodies and nature lovers. With hands-on experiences, practical tips, and the chance to purchase fresh mushrooms, this immersive tour promises an unforgettable insight into sustainable food practices and the fascinating world of fungi. Whether you’re looking to learn or simply indulge, this urban organic gem is a must-visit destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: