Drought Slows Mushroom Season in Northern Germany

The eagerly anticipated main mushroom season is approaching for nature enthusiasts in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, but current dry weather conditions are casting a shadow over potential harvests. Experts Jonas Frank and Sine Ulukaya, who run the website Pilzgeflüster Schleswig-Holstein and offer guided tours, confirm that the persistent drought is indeed affecting mushroom growth.

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The current drought is indeed having an impact on mushroom growth.

They described the summer season as "rather meager" and stated that the outlook for autumn remains uncertain, heavily dependent on future weather patterns. "If it stays this dry into September, the mushrooms will still be slow to appear," they warned. Linus Koch, a mushroom coach based in Hamburg, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that "Mushrooms need water." He added that increasingly extreme heatwaves are stressing flora, fauna, and fungi, noting their sensitive reaction to environmental changes.

As a general guideline, Koch explained that two to four weeks of substantial rainfall are typically needed after a prolonged dry spell for familiar mushroom species to emerge. Reflecting on the 2025 season, Koch described it as "mixed" for edible mushrooms in Hamburg, characterized by alternating periods of intense drought and heavy precipitation. Similarly, Frank and Ulukaya reported that while the 2025 season in Schleswig-Holstein was comparable to previous years, the quantity of finds was slightly lower.

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Mushrooms need water.

For those seeking the best foraging spots, Frank and Ulukaya suggest consulting the German Society for Mycology's website, which provides details on soil types and corresponding mushroom species. Koch noted that Hamburg offers surprisingly diverse habitats for fungi, including numerous small forests within and on the outskirts of the city. However, he deliberately refrains from naming specific locations to avoid undue pressure on these delicate ecosystems and their inhabitants.

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You can expect the familiar mushrooms two to four weeks after heavy rainfall, following a long dry spell.

Crucially, both experts stressed the importance of caution when foraging. "Only eat what can be identified with one hundred percent certainty," they urged. Koch also highlighted the availability of services like basket consultations, educational hikes, and species identification seminars offered by mushroom experts for those interested in learning more.

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Mixed perhaps describes the 2025 season well, at least concerning edible mushrooms.