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

If you’re looking for something a bit different on your trip to Zurich, this 2-hour guided tour into an underground mushroom farm might just surprise you. For $84 per person, you’ll visit a secret urban farm located just 15 minutes from the main train station—hidden inside a disused water reservoir. Led by passionate guides, including a civil engineer and a video journalist, this experience offers an engaging look at sustainable, organic mushroom cultivation that’s both educational and delicious.

What we really love about this tour are the hands-on experiences: touching, smelling, and tasting fresh mushrooms right where they’re grown, giving you an authentic connection to your food. Plus, the chance to buy freshly harvested mushrooms and even a grow-your-own kit makes the visit practical as well as inspiring.

The only possible downside? Because it’s a small, niche operation in a hidden spot, availability might be limited, and the tour’s location could be tricky to find on your own without the detailed directions. Still, if you’re a food lover or curious about urban sustainability, this is a memorable detour that’s worth planning into your Zurich trip.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate unique local experiences, enjoy learning about eco-friendly practices, or simply want a fun, intimate activity away from the busy city streets. It’s also perfect for those interested in self-sufficient food cultivation or looking for a meaningful souvenir in the form of fresh mushrooms or a grow-your-own kit.

Key Points

• Unique underground location: Hidden inside a disused water reservoir just outside Zurich’s city center.
• Interactive experience: Touch, smell, and taste mushrooms directly from the farm.
• Educational insights: Learn about sustainable, organic mushroom cultivation and ecological cycles.
• Practical benefits: Purchase fresh mushrooms and take home a grow-your-own kit.
• Small group size: Limited to eight participants for a close, engaging experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Zurich’s Hidden Mushroom World: A Practical Guide

What This Tour Offers

This isn’t your typical city tour. Instead of museums or historic sites, you’ll be stepping into a secret urban farm located in a disused water reservoir—a clever reuse of space that’s both environmentally friendly and visually striking. The tour is led by guides who are passionate about promoting sustainable food practices, making the experience as much about education as it is about tasting.

For just $84, you get a lot—an introduction to the full mushroom cultivation process, from preparing the substrate to harvesting, all explained in a clear and engaging way. Our guides, whose backgrounds include civil engineering and video journalism, are eager to share both technical insights and personal stories about discovering their passion for sustainable agriculture.

How the Tour Is Structured

The tour begins with a short walk from the bus stop (Zielweg on line 73), down a path marked with a bright blue Züripilz banner. Once inside the facility, you’ll be given medical gloves and breathing masks—a small but important detail that highlights the cleanliness and safety of the operation.

What sets this apart is the tangible interaction with the environment. You’ll touch the growing mushrooms, smell their earthy aroma, and even taste some right on-site. Our guide described the process as “showing us what mushrooms need to grow,” making the technical aspects accessible and easy to understand.

The Growing Process

You’ll see the substrate—the material that mushrooms feed on—being prepared and processed, and learn how the farm maintains optimal conditions within the maturing chamber. The use of an underground space helps maintain temperature and humidity, creating an ideal environment for mushroom growth without energy-intensive climate control. This is a prime example of eco-conscious urban farming.

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Active Participation and Practical Tips

Guests are encouraged to be active participants—this isn’t a passive walk. You might help with harvesting or packaging mushrooms, which makes the experience engaging and memorable. The guides are eager to share practical tips for growing mushrooms at home, which is perfect for anyone inspired to start their own mini-farm or simply curious about the biological process.

What You Can Take Home

One of the highlights is the opportunity to buy freshly harvested mushrooms—perfect for adding a local, organic ingredient to your kitchen. Plus, you can purchase a mushroom box to grow your own at home—an excellent souvenir and conversation starter.

Authenticity and Small Group Dynamics

Limited to just eight participants, this tour offers an intimate setting. Several reviewers have noted how much they enjoyed the personal attention from guides and the informal, friendly atmosphere. One visitor remarked, “It felt like visiting a friend’s secret garden—only inside a water reservoir.”

How This Tour Compares to Other Zurich Experiences

If you’re used to typical city tours, this one stands out because it’s not about sightseeing landmarks but about sustainable food culture. It pairs well with other food-focused activities, like a chocolate or cheese tour, but adds the element of urban innovation.

Compared to larger, more commercial excursions, this tour’s small group size and hands-on approach make it more engaging. The price point—while higher than a quick city stroll—reflects the exclusive location and personalized experience.

Practical Considerations

• Location: The farm is a short walk from the bus stop Zielweg, but finding the exact site involves a well-marked path. Inexpensive parking is available opposite the Israelite cemetery.
• Duration: Two hours pass quickly with so much to see and do.
• Weather: Since part of the tour happens underground, weather isn’t a concern, but comfortable shoes and clothes are advised.
• Language: Guides speak German and English, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Cancellation & Booking: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, and you can reserve and pay later, which offers flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare glimpse into urban, sustainable agriculture—a hidden corner of Zurich that’s both fun and educational. It’s perfect for foodies, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone eager to learn how mushrooms are grown in innovative ways. The interactive format and small group size make it a memorable experience, especially for those who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path activities.

If you’re curious about urban farming, sustainability, or simply love tasting fresh produce, this tour will delight you. It’s a creative way to see a different side of Zurich—one that combines urban ingenuity with natural growth. Plus, you get to leave with fresh mushrooms and practical knowledge for your own kitchen experiments.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible, it involves some hands-on activities and walking. Kids who are interested in nature and food will likely enjoy it, but the activity is best suited for older children or teenagers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual clothes are recommended, as you’ll be walking and participating actively. The underground environment is climate-controlled but may feel cool, so layering is advisable.

Can I buy mushrooms during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to buy freshly harvested mushrooms directly from the farm. You can also purchase a mushroom-growing kit to take home.

Is the location easy to find?
The farm is reachable via bus and a short walk from Zielweg bus stop, marked by a blue Züripilz banner. Parking is available nearby, but the directions are specific, so following the instructions will help.

What languages are available?
Guides speak German and English, making the tour accessible for most international visitors.

How many people participate in each tour?
The tour is limited to eight participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

In essence, this underground mushroom tour in Zurich offers a unique, practical, and eco-friendly experience that combines education, tasting, and a touch of adventure—perfect for those wanting to see a different side of the city and learn more about urban sustainability.

You can check availability for your dates here: