Zurich’s best-kept secret: the hidden world of mushrooms!

Zurich’s best-kept secret: the hidden world of mushrooms!

This 2-hour guided tour in Canton Zurich takes you into the urban mushroom farm hidden just 15 minutes from Zurich’s main station. For $84 per person, you gain an exclusive look at sustainable, organic mushroom production in a disused water reservoir, making it a unique experience for food lovers, travelers, and those interested in innovative agricultural methods.

The tour is well-suited for anyone curious about ecological food cycles and eager to learn how mushrooms are grown from substrate to harvest. Visitors get to touch, smell, and taste fresh mushrooms, and even purchase harvested mushrooms or a mushroom-growing kit for at-home cultivation. It’s a hands-on experience that combines education and practical tips with a touch of adventure.

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Key Points

• Exclusive insight into urban mushroom cultivation in Zurich’s secret location
• Tangible experience with mushrooms: touch, smell, and taste on-site
• Sustainable farming practices in an organic-certified facility
• Opportunity to buy freshly harvested mushrooms and mushroom boxes for home growing
• Small group size limited to 8 participants ensures a personalized experience
• Tour runs from 2 hours, with flexible start times based on availability

The Hidden Location of Zurich’s Mushroom Farm

This tour begins at Friesenbergstrasse 360 in Zurich, near the Zielweg bus stop on line 73 heading toward Friesenbergstrasse Schweighof. From there, you walk about 100 meters down Friesenbergstrasse along a marked blue Züripilz banner to find the entrance to the disused water reservoir-turned-mushroom farm.

The farm is a secret spot, not accessible to the public without this guided visit, making it a rare chance for visitors to explore Zurich’s underground organic cultivation. Parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery at Friesenbergstrasse 330, making access straightforward for those driving.

Inside the Zurich Mushroom Cultivation Facility

The guided tour leads through the entire process of urban mushroom cultivation. Visitors learn about substrate preparation, maturation chambers, and the harvesting process, gaining a clear understanding of what it takes to produce organic mushrooms sustainably.

The facility is notable for its ecological approach, demonstrating how sustainable food practices can be implemented in urban environments. The maturing chamber is visited with medical gloves and breathing masks, which are provided free of charge, emphasizing safety and hygiene.

Touch, Smell, and Taste: The Mushroom Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to touch, smell, and taste mushrooms directly in the cultivation area. This sensory experience helps clarify what mushrooms need to grow, and offers a practical grasp of their flavors and textures.

Guests also get to sample fresh mushrooms on-site, experiencing the difference between organic, farm-fresh produce and supermarket varieties. The guide shares stories about the farm’s origins, including the passion of a civil engineer and a video journalist who discovered their interest in sustainable agriculture.

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Practical Tips for Growing Mushrooms at Home

Beyond the indoor tour, visitors receive useful advice on how to grow mushrooms at home, including tips on choosing substrates and maintaining optimal conditions. These hands-on instructions allow participants to start their own mushroom-growing projects, such as buying a mushroom box available for purchase at the farm.

This component makes the experience not just educational but also practical, helping visitors bring a piece of Zurich’s mushroom secret into their own kitchens.

Buying Fresh Mushrooms and Growing Kits

At the end of the tour, there is an opportunity to purchase freshly harvested mushrooms, supporting the farm’s sustainable practices. Plus, visitors can buy a mushroom box, enabling them to cultivate their own mushrooms at home with the guidance learned during the tour.

This option brings lasting value to the experience, allowing guests to continue their mushroom journey long after the visit ends.

The Small Group Format and Tour Accessibility

With a limited group size of just 8 participants, the tour offers a personalized and engaging experience. The live guides speak German and English, and the two-hour duration provides a comfortable pace for exploration and learning.

The tour is designed for active participation, encouraging touching, smelling, and tasting, making it suitable for adults who enjoy hands-on activities. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended, as visitors will be walking and engaging in physical activities.

Meeting and Ending the Zurich Mushroom Tour

The meeting point is on the forecourt in front of the production facility entrance, where the guide will be visible and ready to welcome participants. The tour concludes back at this same meeting point, offering a convenient ending spot close to the starting location.

For those driving, affordable parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery. The activity can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Zurich

What makes this experience truly unique is its location in Zurich’s underground water reservoir, transforming a disused space into an urban farm that produces organic mushrooms. The story of the farm’s founders—a civil engineer and a video journalist—adds a compelling touch of passion and innovation.

This tour combines education, sensory engagement, and practical takeaways in a small, friendly group setting. It’s perfect for foodies, environmentally conscious travelers, or anyone seeking an unusual activity off the beaten path in Zurich.

Final Thoughts on Zurich’s Mushroom Hidden World

This 2-hour guided tour offers a rare glimpse into Zurich’s secret mushroom farm, making it an excellent choice for those interested in urban agriculture and sustainable food practices. The touch, smell, and taste elements enrich the experience, while the opportunity to buy fresh mushrooms or grow your own adds a practical dimension.

While it’s not a large-scale agricultural tour, its personalized approach and unique setting make it a memorable activity. Visitors who love hands-on learning and urban exploration will find this tour both informative and enjoyable.

The price of $84 is reasonable for a quality, small-group experience that combines education, sensory discovery, and local entrepreneurship. This tour is especially suited to adventure seekers, foodies, and sustainability enthusiasts looking for a different perspective on Zurich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is designed for adults, with active participation involved, so it’s best suited for older children or adults interested in hands-on learning and urban farming.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as the experience involves walking and touching in the cultivation space.

Can I buy mushrooms or growing kits during the tour?
Yes, you can purchase freshly harvested mushrooms and mushroom boxes for home cultivation at the end of the experience.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve now and pay later for flexible planning.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
Guides deliver the experience in German and English, accommodating most visitors.

How long is the tour exactly?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.

Where exactly does the tour start?
It starts at the forecourt in front of the production facility at Friesenbergstrasse 360 in Zurich.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, inexpensive parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery at Friesenbergstrasse 330.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby