Know the forest fruits and mushrooms

Can I pick forest fruits, herbs or mushrooms in Triglav National Park?

Before picking forest fruits, herbs or mushrooms near Erjavčeva koča, Vršič Pass or anywhere in Triglav National Park, you should know the rules and know exactly what you are picking.

Do not pick forest fruits, herbs or mushrooms just because they look beautiful, interesting or edible. Some mushrooms and plants can be poisonous, protected, rare or important for the natural ecosystem. Never eat any mushroom, berry, herb or forest fruit unless you are completely sure that it is safe and edible.

Picking is allowed only in the third protection zone

In Triglav National Park, picking mushrooms and plants is allowed only in the third protection zone. Picking is not allowed in the first and second protection zones, where nature protection is stricter and the main purpose is the preservation of natural processes, habitats, plants, animals and sensitive alpine environments.

Because the borders between protection zones are not always clearly marked in nature, visitors should check the rules and maps before picking anything. If you are not sure whether picking is allowed in a certain area, the safest and most respectful choice is to observe nature and leave everything where it grows.

Daily limits for picking

For personal use, the daily limit for mushrooms is usually up to 2 kg per person. Mushrooms should be picked carefully and cleaned roughly at the place where they grow.

For herbs, the daily limit for personal use is usually up to 1 kg per person. Commercial picking or larger quantities may require special permission from the park authority.

Park rangers and inspectors can check visitors and their belongings in Triglav National Park. Please respect the rules, because they exist to protect the park and its natural balance.

Do not damage nature while picking

If picking is allowed in the area where you are walking, do it carefully and respectfully. Do not pull out plants with roots, do not destroy moss, soil, flowers, young plants or the forest floor, and do not damage habitats while searching for mushrooms or forest fruits.

Use a suitable basket for mushrooms and avoid picking mushrooms that are too small, too old, damaged or unknown. Leave enough forest fruits, mushrooms and plants for wildlife, natural regeneration and other visitors.

Respect protected plants and mountain nature

Many alpine plants are protected, rare or slow-growing. In the mountains, plants often grow in difficult conditions and may need many years to recover from damage. Please do not pick flowers, alpine plants or herbs just as souvenirs.

The good practice of responsible mountaineers in Slovenia is to enjoy mountain flowers, forests, berries and mushrooms with respect. Take photos, observe nature, learn about it, but do not take more than allowed and do not damage what makes the mountains special.

Forest fruits, mushrooms and safety

Some forest fruits and mushrooms are edible, while others can be dangerous or poisonous. Mistakes can lead to serious health problems. If you are not experienced, do not pick or eat wild mushrooms and berries.

Children should also be warned not to pick or eat berries, mushrooms or plants without adult supervision. In the mountains, curiosity is natural, but safety comes first.

Responsible behaviour near Erjavčeva koča

Erjavčeva koča mountain hut is located in a protected mountain environment at Vršič Pass. We kindly ask visitors to behave responsibly and respect the natural values of Triglav National Park.

Observe the protected nature around Erjavčeva koča mountain hut, stay on marked trails, do not leave waste behind, do not disturb wildlife, and do not pick plants, fruits or mushrooms in areas where this is not allowed.

Final advice

If you know the rules, know the species, and are in an area where picking is allowed, pick only small responsible quantities for personal use. If you are unsure, do not pick anything.

The best way to enjoy the nature of Triglav National Park is often the simplest one: look, learn, take photos, breathe, and leave nature as you found it.