Peak mushroom season is here: Where can you find the most fungi in Czechia?

Czechia is now in the peak of its mushroom-picking season, with thousands flocking to Czech forests in search of (edible) fungi. According to mycologists, the rise in mushroom growth is expected to continue if the weather holds, amid recently humid and wet weather. A comprehensive and color-coded map will also help people find where exactly is best to find the mushrooms.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), the probability of mushroom growth is currently very high in most areas. As a result, mycological specialists are receiving an influx of questions and concerns from mushroom pickers, with some even bringing in mushrooms they are unsure about for identification.

However, the timing and location of mushroom growth is unpredictable, mycologists say, depending on moisture levels, temperature, and recent rainfall. "Mushrooms grow for several weeks, most of the time underground. In addition, they can double their size in 24 hours," Luboš Zelený, a mycologist from Pilsen, told Czech Television this week.

In general, the best time to find mushrooms is after heavy rains when the soil is sufficiently moist. However, the effects of climate change, such as increasing temperatures and evaporation, are negatively impacting the number of mushrooms in Czech forests.

Popular spots for mushroom pickers include the forest between Lužna and Ruda in Rakovnik (a town in Central Bohemia near Prague), the ČHMÚ says.

Amidst the mushroom season, there has also been an increase in calls to emergency services from individuals worried about mushroom poisoning. Furthermore, mushroom pickers are advised to check for any forest entry bans in regions affected by recent floods.

To help mushroom pickers plan their trips, the ČHMÚ has developed a map in collaboration with the Czech Mycological Society. This map indicates the soil's saturation with precipitation in the previous 30 days, combined with average temperatures for the last seven days. 

Currently, the probability of mushroom growth is medium to high in most of the country, with the best spots being near the larger mountain ranges near the border, such as the Krkonoše, Šumava, or Ore Mountains. With the season still on the rise, mushroom lovers are advised to continue checking the map for updated information on the best places to find their favorite fungi.

Collecting forest crops is a popular activity in the Czech Republic, with approximately one in six Czechs venturing into the forest at least once a month.