Herăstrău Park
Bucharest-Ilfov Region
King Michael I Park, formerly known as Herăstrău Park, is the largest park in Bucharest, Romania, spanning approximately 187 hectares, including 74 hectares of lake. Established in 1936 after draining marshlands, it offers a unique combination of natural and recreational spaces. The park is divided into a natural rustic zone housing the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian rural life with hundreds of authentic houses from across the country, and a public domain with open areas for leisure and boating on Lake Herăstrău. Within the park lies Elisabeta Palace, the current residence of the Romanian Royal Family, adding historical and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy diverse facilities including an open-air theatre, yacht and sports clubs, and Berăria H, one of southeastern Europe's largest beer halls. The park's extensive alleys, gardens, sculptures, and monuments create a vibrant green lung in the city, making it a favored destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation, culture, and outdoor activities.
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Tip: The best time to visit King Michael I Park is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the park's foliage is most vibrant. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance for the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum to avoid queues. Small boats are available for rent on the lake, offering a scenic experience. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The park is accessible by public transport and has multiple entrances, including the notable Charles de Gaulle entrance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the park's vast size.
Interesting facts
- •The park covers about 187 hectares, including a 74-hectare lake formed by the Colentina River.
- •The name 'Herăstrău' derives from a dialectal Romanian word meaning 'sawmill', referencing historic water-powered sawmills on the Colentina River.
- •Elisabeta Palace, located inside the park, is the current residence of the Romanian Royal Family.
- •The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum within the park displays hundreds of traditional Romanian houses collected from all regions of the country.
- •Berăria H, located in the park, is the largest beer hall in southeastern Europe with a capacity of 3,000 people combined inside and outside.
- •The park was once named after Stalin and featured a statue of him, which was removed during de-Stalinization in 1956.
History
Originally a marshland area inhabited since the Paleolithic era, the site of King Michael I Park has a rich archaeological history with evidence of Mousterian culture and large Ice Age mammals.
During the Iron Age, it was home to the Bordei-Herăstrău culture, and later Dacian settlements dating back to the 1st century BC.
In the 19th century, the area became a favored promenade for Bucharest's elite.
The park was officially created in the 1930s by draining marshes and removing industrial structures, opening to the public in 1939 as the National Park.
Its name changed several times reflecting political shifts: from Parcul Carol II, to Parcul I.
V.
Stalin with a Stalin statue, then to Herăstrău during de-Stalinization, and finally renamed King Michael I Park in 2017 to honor Romania's former king.
Place Guide
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum1936
An extensive open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses, windmills, churches, and workshops from various regions, illustrating rural architecture and customs.
Elisabeta Palace1930s
A royal residence situated as an 'island' within the Village Museum area, serving as the home of the Romanian Royal Family.
Lake Herăstrău
A large lake formed by the Colentina River, allowing for recreational boating and scenic views within the park.
Berăria H Beer HallMid-20th century
The largest beer hall in southeastern Europe, formerly known as Pavilion H, featuring a Soviet-style building with indoor and outdoor seating for thousands of guests.
Contact
Phone: 021 224 5860
