Discover the secret mushroom paradises in Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen!

Discover the secret mushroom paradises in Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen!

Autumn time is mushroom time! In the picturesque landscapes of Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen, there is hardly anything more beautiful than discovering mysterious mushroom species in their natural habitats. The region, known for its extensive forests and heathland, offers perfect conditions for a wide variety of mushrooms. The Drents-Friese Wold National Park, a true treasure trove of biodiversity, attracts not only nature lovers but also mushroom pickers from all over the country.

The Dwin Gelderveld in particular stands out when it comes to the abundance of mushrooms such as elf bankjes, boletes and fly agarics. Not far from here, in the area of ​​Diever and Oude Willem in Friesland, beautiful specimens can always be found. There are also the time-honored oaks and beeches of Oranjewoud near Heerenveen, which provide the perfect habitat for rare mushroom species, while the Rijsterbos in Gaasterland shines in bright colors in autumn and promises a quiet break.

First-hand mushroom discoveries

The Paddenstoelen Werkgroep Drenthe keeps its eyes open and regularly reports on exciting finds in the region. For example, on September 29, 2025, a purple koraaltje (Ramariopsis pulchella) was discovered in a garden in Assen - a first for the northeast Netherlands. The discovery of Mestnestzwammetjes (Cyathus stercoreus) in a Volkstuin in Zuidwolde on September 19, 2025 is also one of the notable observations, as it is a species that has not yet been documented in Drenthe.

These discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg, as the Paddenstoelen Werkgroep offers a valuable platform for those interested to report their finds - be it with the date, location or photos. A particularly in-depth find was that of the Harige satijnzwam (Entoloma hirtum), which Eef Arnolds discovered in Zuidwolde on September 1, 2025, making it the first sighting in the Netherlands. Such discoveries are not only good for mushroom lovers, but also enrich knowledge about local biodiversity.

Tips for mushroom pickers

If you are looking for mushrooms, you should set out early, especially after a rain shower. This increases the chances of spotting many of the local delicacies. For the perfect trip, you should have rain boots, a camera and even a small mirror to get a better look at the mushrooms. The Appelbergen near Glimmen, another former natural area, offers an impressive backdrop of forests, lakes and sand dunes, ideal for such an exploration tour.

Autumn in the forests of Groningen, including estates such as Coendersborg near Nuis and Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren, is all about mushrooms. Here you can find everything from small Knoopzwammetjes to more robust boletes. The Rotstergaaster Wallen in southwest Friesland, for example, where the only Wasplaten reserve in the Netherlands is located, is a hotspot for many rare species.

Observations such as those of the Roodschubbige ringboleet (Suillus pictus), which forms common mycorrhiza with white pines in Drenthe, impressively show how diverse the native fungal flora is. Regular finds, such as that of the Witte kroonknotsje (Clavicorona taxophila) in a cemetery in Emmen, demonstrate the rich diversity of mushrooms that the region has to offer.

So if you're up for a little outdoor adventure, grab your gear and head to these magical places where the moist, colorful forests shine in all their glory. The mushrooms are just waiting for you to discover them!

For more information on regional discoveries, you can read the reports from Paddenstoelen Werkgroep Drenthe as well as the great tips for mushroom locations Noorderland.nl read up. Have fun picking mushrooms!