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Motovun's truffle hunting tradition unfolds in the oak and hornbeam groves of the Mirna River Valley, where trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs lead the search for white and black truffles beneath the forest floor. This guide covers how to book a hunt, what the experience involves, and when the forest yields its most prized finds.
Quick answer
To go truffle hunting in Motovun, book a guided tour with a local truffle hunter and trained dog through a tour operator or directly with a hunting family in Livade. Tours operate year-round from 08:00–20:00, with the best hunting conditions between October and December for white truffles and May through September for black summer truffles. The forest itself is free to enter, but all truffle hunting activities are conducted via paid private or group tours, typically lasting two to three hours.
Istria produces more truffles per square kilometer than any other region in Europe, and the forests surrounding Motovun account for a significant share of that harvest. The Mirna River Valley creates a microclimate of humidity and limestone-rich soil that white truffles require, and the region's oak canopy provides the mycorrhizal partnership that sustains truffle growth. The largest white truffle ever recorded—1.31 kilograms—was unearthed near Livade in 1999, a fact that anchors the area's reputation among collectors and chefs. Truffle hunting in Motovun is not a self-guided activity. The forest is open to the public, but locating truffles requires a trained dog, legal harvesting rights, and knowledge of the terrain. Licensed truffle hunters work with Lagotto Romagnolo or mixed-breed dogs trained from puppyhood to detect the scent of mature truffles buried five to thirty centimeters below the surface. A typical hunt begins in the early morning when cooler temperatures sharpen the dogs' scenting ability and the forest floor retains overnight moisture. The hunter follows the dog through the undergrowth, watching for the moment it begins to dig, then carefully excavates the truffle with a small spade called a vanghetto to avoid damaging the mycelium network that will produce future growth. Most tours include a walk through the forest, an explanation of truffle biology and the dog's training, and the opportunity to observe or participate in the excavation process. Some operators conclude the experience with a tasting of fresh truffles prepared simply—shaved over scrambled eggs or pasta—so visitors can taste the difference between white and black varieties. The white truffle season peaks in November, when prices at the Livade truffle fair can exceed two thousand euros per kilogram for premium specimens. Black summer truffles, more abundant and less pungent, appear from late spring through early autumn and are often used in truffle-infused oils and preserved products sold in the villages surrounding the forest. Booking a truffle hunt in advance is recommended, particularly during the autumn white truffle season when demand from culinary tourists and buyers increases. Many hunting families in Livade offer tours directly, and several operators based in Motovun coordinate small-group experiences that pair the hunt with a visit to a local konoba for a truffle-focused meal. The Motovun Forest remains accessible throughout the year, with the address Motovun Forest, Mirna River Valley, Livade, Croatia serving as the central reference point for tour meeting locations.
“The white truffle season peaks in November, when prices at the Livade truffle fair can exceed two thousand euros per kilogram for premium specimens.”
The best arrival window for truffle hunting in the Motovun Forest is 08:00–10:00. This early start provides cooler temperatures for the hunting dogs and creates conditions where the truffle scent is most active.
Mild 12°C–18°C
Ideal for hunting white truffles and enjoying blooming forest trails.
Warm 22°C–28°C
Conditions are warmer, requiring early arrival to ensure dog comfort.
Cool 10°C–16°C
This period aligns with the main harvest for the prized white truffle.
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These times offer the quietest forest experience and optimal conditions for scenting.
Verdict: The optimal time to visit is during the autumn harvest months of September through November, arriving promptly between 08:00 and 10:00 on weekdays.
Truffle hunting activities in the Motovun Forest are available daily throughout the week. Please use the schedule below to coordinate your planned visit and booking arrangements.
Access to the Motovun Forest is free for all visitors. The costs associated with truffle hunting pertain exclusively to the professional guide services and organized hunting demonstrations.
Verdict: Visitors do not pay an admission fee to enter the forest, but pay for individual or group hunting experiences arranged through licensed local providers.
Truffle hunting in Motovun requires booking a licensed guide with trained dogs, then following a structured forest walk that typically lasts two to three hours from arrival to finish.
Contact a local truffle-hunting operator or tour company based in Livade or Motovun to reserve your slot. Most require at least 24 hours' notice, and autumn dates fill quickly.
Arrive at the agreed meeting point in the Motovun Forest or Mirna River Valley. Your guide will introduce the truffle dog and brief you on forest etiquette and safety.
The trained dog leads the group along forest trails, stopping to sniff and dig when it detects truffle scent beneath the soil. Stay behind the dog and avoid stepping on marked zones.
Once the dog signals a find, the guide carefully uncovers the truffle with a small tool, leaving the surrounding mycelium intact. The common mistake is attempting to dig yourself—let the guide handle extraction.
After the hunt, the guide returns to the starting point, weighs any truffles collected, and often offers tasting or purchase options. Some operators include a simple truffle dish as part of the experience.
Truffle hunting takes place within the Motovun Forest, located in the Mirna River Valley near the village of Livade, Croatia. The most efficient way to reach the starting points for these excursions is by private vehicle.
Follow D44 road toward Livade
Follow D44 road toward Livade
Regional bus lines to Livade
For the best hunting conditions, plan your arrival between 08:00 and 10:00 to utilize the cooler morning temperatures.
Most tours require advance booking and appropriate outdoor gear for uneven forest terrain.
Everything you need to know about how to go truffle hunting
To learn how to go truffle hunting, you should arrange a session with local experts who provide trained dogs to navigate the woodland terrain. These professionals know the specific conditions required for the prized white and black fungi in the Mirna River Valley.
There is a 0 EUR entrance fee, meaning you do not pay for site access. However, because specialized training and equipment are necessary, activities are conducted via paid private or group tours.
The best arrival window is 08:00–10:00, as the early morning offers cooler temperatures for dogs and more active truffle scenting conditions. This timeframe helps you avoid the heat of the day and improves your chances of discovery.
Families often wonder how to go truffle hunting with little ones, and the answer is that most operators welcome children on these outdoor walks. It serves as an educational experience regarding local biodiversity and the symbiotic relationship between handlers and their dogs.
While visitors may be curious about how to go truffle hunting independently, it is not practical or permitted to forage without local knowledge and proper licensing. Professional guides manage the delicate ecology of the forest and ensure that only mature specimens are extracted.
Booking your spot is typically handled through official visitor sites that coordinate with local hunting families. You can explore available tours and select a time that aligns with your travel schedule using the booking widgets on our site.