PILZSUCHE TOUR in sLOWENIEN

We couldn't have asked for a better time with Katarina and Nicolay, both experienced and knowledgeable. We spent the morning in a serene forest in Pokljuka learning about the sylvan ecosystem and the mushrooms that live there. We found many species and learned some ways to help identify them including how or whether they fluoresce when exposed to a black light, whether they are attached to a single needle or whether they smell like rotten cabbage. Some that we found - king boletes - we saved to be eaten later. This wasn't a hard hike; more like slow stepping through the forest noticing something new always within a few feet. We circled back to the start and ate lunch together talking about Slovenian food and the role that wild foods play in the preparation. This was a special experience for learning and also for gaining reverence for the wooded places in Slovenia.

What a lovely city and brilliant guide. The itinerary was carefully planned and included incredible activities. Forests and fields of fungi! Thankyou to the Goddess of Mars for delicious mushroom soup with bread, amazing butter cookies and Cockta, of course. Thankyou to the woman climbing the spiral staircase to find the perfect map that was lost and then found again. Thankyou to the wee tortoise who helped me embrace the beauty of Slovenia and thankyou to the black cat that didn’t cross our path. Mostly, eternal gratitude to Lado for acting as conduit. Hvala

This tour allowed me to experience the tradition of foraging in Slovenia. We got an early start to meditate in the ancient trunk of a linden tree before watching the sunrise from a hilltop overlooking cloud-covered Ljubljana. Be prepared with hiking shoes for your trek through the forest. This was the season for mushroom hunting. Our guide, Lado, identified each mushroom we discovered, explaining which ones were harmful and which were healthy. He led the tour with just the right blend of information and humor. When our baskets were full, we all pitched in to slice the mushrooms and cook up a feast. Highly recommend this mindful excursion to a secret spot in a beautiful Slovenian forest. Unforgettable!