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If you are looking for a unique and educational experience in Greece, you should definitely visit the Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum in Kalambaka, a city near the famous Meteora rocks. This museum is the first of its kind in Greece and showcases the amazing diversity of animals and mushrooms that inhabit the region. You will also learn about the history, culture and cuisine of this area, which is known for its natural beauty and spiritual heritage.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps of planning your visit to the museum and exploring the surrounding attractions. We will also give you some tips on how to enjoy the local gastronomy, especially the delicious mushrooms that grow in abundance here. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Book your tickets and accommodation
The first thing you need to do is to book your tickets and accommodation for your trip to Kalambaka. The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. The entrance fee is 6 euros for adults, 4 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old. You can buy your tickets online from the museum’s website or at the entrance.
As for accommodation, there are plenty of options in Kalambaka, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. You can also find some cozy guesthouses and apartments near the museum or in the nearby villages. You can use online platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb to find the best deals and reviews. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer or Easter.
Step 2: Visit the museum and learn about animals and mushrooms
Once you arrive in Kalambaka, you can take a taxi, a bus or a walk to the museum, which is located on the National Highway connecting Trikala with Egnatia Highway, close to the big city hotels and five minutes from the city center on foot. There is also space for parking if you have a car.
The museum is divided into two sections: one for animals and one for mushrooms. The animal section contains about 350 specimens of mammals and birds, some of them very rare, that are displayed in realistic dioramas that depict their natural habitats. You will see wolves, bears, foxes, deer, eagles, owls, flamingos and many more. You will also learn about their behavior, diet, reproduction and threats they face.
The mushroom section contains about 250 sculptures of mushrooms that are made by hand with great attention to detail. They represent the main species of mushrooms that grow in Greece and Europe, such as porcini, chanterelles, morels, truffles and others. They are presented in three stages of development: spore, mycelium and fruiting body. You will also learn about their morphology, ecology, classification and uses.
The museum offers guided tours for groups, school classes and special groups. You can also use a free guided tour system with QR codes in English that you can scan with your smartphone. The museum staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and will answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Explore the nearby attractions and enjoy the scenery
After visiting the museum, you can explore the nearby attractions and enjoy the scenery of this region. Here are some suggestions:
- Meteora: This is the main attraction of Kalambaka and one of the most impressive sights in Greece. Meteora means “suspended in the air” and refers to a complex of monasteries that are built on top of huge rock formations that rise above the plain. There are six active monasteries that you can visit by car or by foot. You can also join a guided tour or a hiking tour that will take you to some hidden spots and viewpoints. You will be amazed by the architecture, the art, the history and the spirituality of these places.
- Kastraki: This is a picturesque village that lies at the foot of Meteora rocks. It is a great place to stay if you want to be close to nature and enjoy some peace and quiet. You can walk around the narrow streets, admire the traditional stone houses, visit the small churches and taste some local products like honey, cheese and wine.
- Pertouli: This is a mountainous village that is located about 40 km from Kalambaka. It is a popular destination for winter sports, as it has a ski center and some trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It is also a beautiful place to visit in summer, as it has lush forests, streams, waterfalls and meadows. You can also visit the nearby Elati village, which has a folklore museum and a botanical garden.
Step 4: Taste the local gastronomy and try some mushroom dishes
One of the best ways to experience the culture and the biodiversity of this region is to taste the local gastronomy and try some mushroom dishes. The museum organizes and hosts truffle hunting activities in cooperation with travel offices, where you can join a special trained truffle dog and its trainer to search for this unique delicacy in the woods. You will also learn about the types and the uses of truffles and enjoy a lunch with truffle dishes.
If you are not into truffles, you can still find many other mushroom dishes in the restaurants and taverns of Kalambaka and the surrounding villages. Some of the most popular ones are:
| Mushroom dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mushroom soup | A creamy soup made with fresh or dried mushrooms, onion, garlic, butter, flour, milk and herbs. |
| Mushroom pie | A savory pie made with phyllo pastry, cheese, eggs and mushrooms. It can be baked in the oven or fried in a pan. |
| Mushroom risotto | A rice dish cooked with broth, butter, cheese and mushrooms. It can be enriched with wine, cream or herbs. |
| Mushroom omelette | An omelette made with eggs, cheese and mushrooms. It can be served with bread, salad or fries. |
| Mushroom stew | A hearty stew made with mushrooms, onion, garlic, tomato, wine, olive oil and herbs. It can be served with rice, pasta or bread. |
Of course, you can also find many other dishes that are not based on mushrooms but are equally delicious and representative of the local cuisine. Some of them are:
- Lamb with greens: A dish made with lamb meat cooked with wild greens, onion, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.
- Trahana: A type of pasta made with wheat flour and fermented milk. It can be cooked with water or broth and served with cheese, butter or yogurt.
- Spoon sweets: A type of dessert made with fruits or vegetables preserved in sugar syrup. They are usually served with a spoon (hence the name) and accompanied by coffee or tea.
- Tsipouro: A type of distilled spirit made from grapes. It is usually served in small glasses and accompanied by meze (small dishes) like cheese, olives, nuts or cured meats.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has inspired you to visit the Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum and discover the rich biodiversity and gastronomy of the region. This is a place that will surprise you with its natural beauty, its cultural heritage and its culinary delights. You will not regret it!
If you have any questions or comments about this blog post or your trip to Kalambaka, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
