Mushroom picking
Mushrooming in the middle of the forest is a fun activity for everyone. You can walk slowly in the forest and observe the nature around you - it is a very good way to relax your body and mind. Mushrooms can be freely picked in Finland's forests under everyman's right, but be careful which varieties you pick, as some fungi are poisonous. Other pickers can be asked for advice, but it is considered impolite to gather mushrooms too near other people - or too near homes and gardens. Parikkala offers excellent grounds and forests for mushroom hunting. Yellow, funnel-shaped chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) are among the most popular mushrooms with pickers. Other popular mushrooms include Ceps (Boletus), which are bigger and easier to spot, but must be picked quickly before they become infested with grubs. Russulas and milkcaps (Lactarius) are picked to use in salted preserves.