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

If you’re looking for a unique, offbeat experience in Zurich, a tour inside an urban mushroom farm might just be your next favorite adventure. This 2-hour guided outing isn’t your typical tourist stop—it’s a deep dive into the fascinating process of sustainable mushroom cultivation in a city that rarely reveals such green secrets.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get exclusive access to a hidden farm located just 15 minutes from Zurich’s main station, set in an old water reservoir – a quirky, atmospheric space. Second, it offers hands-on engagement—touching, smelling, and tasting fresh mushrooms—giving you a sensory experience you won’t forget. Lastly, it’s a chance to learn about sustainable food practices from passionate founders who turned a civil engineering and media background into organic mushroom cultivation.

One thing to consider: the tour involves entering the maturing chamber with medical gloves and masks, which might feel a bit unusual if you’re expecting a more casual walk-through. But this setup ensures cleanliness and safety, especially in a controlled environment. This experience is perfect for food lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and those eager to uncover Zurich’s lesser-known, green side.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Visit a hidden, organic mushroom farm in Zurich’s water reservoir.
• Sensory Experience: Touch, smell, and taste freshly harvested mushrooms.
• Educational Value: Learn about sustainable, organic cultivation methods.
• Practical Tips: Receive advice for growing mushrooms at home.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Zurich’s Hidden Mushroom World

What Is This Tour All About?

This guided tour offers more than just a peek behind the curtain. It’s an invitation to understand the entire process of mushroom cultivation—from preparing the substrate to harvesting. Situated inside a disused water reservoir, the farm provides a captivating setting that marries industrial history with modern sustainable farming.

The entire experience is designed to be interactive. You’ll learn what mushrooms need to grow and will get the chance to touch, smell, and taste different varieties. The farm is organic-certified, which means every mushroom you sample is free from pesticides and grown with eco-friendly practices. It’s also a chance to see how urban spaces can be repurposed into productive green areas.

Who Are the Guides?

The tour is led by passionate guides who are deeply involved in the cultivation process. The guide, a representative of Züripilz GmbH, is knowledgeable and eager to share their story—how two individuals with backgrounds in civil engineering and video journalism channeled their passions into sustainable farming. This personal touch adds warmth and authenticity to the tour, making it not just educational but also inspiring.

How Does the Tour Unfold?

The 2-hour walk is divided mainly into three parts:

1. Introduction & Briefing: You start outside, where your guide introduces the farm’s history and goals. They explain how the disused water reservoir was transformed into a mushroom farm—a clever reuse of urban infrastructure.

1. Guided Walk Through the Cultivation Area: Inside, you’ll see the various stages of mushroom growth—substrate preparation, incubation, and fruiting. The guide will demonstrate the environment, discussing the importance of ecological cycles and sustainability. You might find it fascinating how a former water reservoir can host such a vibrant farm.

1. Tasting & Practical Tips: At the end, you’ll have the opportunity to taste freshly harvested mushrooms and learn tips for growing your own at home. You can also purchase mushrooms directly from the farm, and even buy a mushroom kit to start your own mini farm.

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What Makes This Experience Special?

• Unique Location: The farm’s setting inside a repurposed water reservoir adds a sense of adventure and uniqueness. As one reviewer noted, “You won’t find anything like this again in Zurich.”
• Sensory Engagement: Touching, smelling, and tasting mushrooms elevates the experience from a simple tour to an immersive activity.
• Educational and Practical: Beyond looking at mushrooms, you’ll gain insights into sustainable food production and get hands-on advice.

What About the Cost?

At $84 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances education, unique access, and sensory fun. Compared to other food or city tours, this might seem slightly premium, but the exclusivity and direct engagement justify the price. Plus, you can buy freshly harvested mushrooms or a mushroom grow kit, adding tangible value to your visit.

How to Find the Farm?

The meeting point is straightforward. You’ll locate the Zielweg bus stop on line 73, then walk about 100 meters down Friesenbergstrasse to the blue Züripilz banner marking the entrance. The guide is easy to spot, waiting on the square. Parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery at Friesenbergstrasse 330, which is affordable and convenient.

Accessibility & Practical Tips

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for a slightly industrial environment involving some physical activity. The entry into the maturing chamber requires gloves and masks, provided free of charge, ensuring safety and cleanliness. The tour is conducted in both German and English, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This experience is particularly suitable for foodies, eco-conscious travelers, and urban explorers looking for something different. It’s ideal for those curious about sustainable agriculture and urban renewal projects. The small group size of just 8 people creates an intimate setting, allowing for personalized interaction and questions.

While it’s not a traditional sightseeing tour, it offers a rare glimpse into a hidden facet of Zurich’s urban landscape—a reminder that city spaces can be transformed into productive, green environments. Plus, the opportunity to take home fresh mushrooms or even grow your own adds a practical touch that extends beyond the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the focus is on adult learning and sensory experience, children who are curious and comfortable with the environment might enjoy touching and tasting the mushrooms. It’s best to check with the provider if in doubt.

Do I need any special skills or knowledge to join?
No, the tour is designed for all levels of knowledge. Guides explain everything clearly, and the focus is on engaging, hands-on learning.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for industrial or farm environments are recommended. Expect some parts to be cooler or slightly damp.

Can I buy mushrooms during the tour?
Yes, freshly harvested mushrooms are available for purchase. You can also buy a mushroom kit to try growing at home.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify, but given the small, controlled environment, it’s best to inquire directly for accessibility details.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in both German and English, accommodating international visitors.

This Zurich mushroom tour is a fantastic example of how urban spaces can host unexpected gems. Whether you’re a foodie, an eco-warrior, or simply someone who loves discovering new aspects of a city, this experience offers a memorable, practical, and sustainable side of Zurich you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

You can check availability for your dates here: