- Forest and Lake Cernica
Description: A true green oasis just ~ 15 km east of the Capital, the Cernica Forest stretches along the lake with the same name offering refuge from urban agitation. The area is known for quiet and cool shade of oaks, willows and poplars, but also for the proximity of some attractions such as the historical monastery Cernica and the park of adventure Extreme Park Cernica. Visitors appreciate the broad paths suitable for light hiking or cycling tours, during which only the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds are heard. The forest also houses deer or rabbits, and the lake houses fish such as pike or carp – a rich natural setting for relaxation in nature.
Popular activity: Many townspeople come here for walking or cycling on marked routes, taking advantage of the fresh air. A recent remark: “I have taken many walks through this forest… I recommend for hiking on foot or by bicycle”. There is also an adventure park near the lake with thyrolians for those eager for adrenaline, and there are pontoons on the shore where locals try to fish quietly.
Prices: Access is open in the forest and on the public banks of the lake. If you choose private facilities, Extreme Park offers access to around 50 lei / person (equipment included) and parking in the landscaped areas costs ~ 10 lei. Otherwise, a classic picnic here won’t cost you anything, except to keep the place clean.
Quote from a recent review: “Very nice, it’s worth visiting. The forest is close to Bucharest and quite large. I recommend leaving the car at the entrance – perfect place to ride in nature!” Says a Bucharest visitor. The atmosphere is appreciated for calm and beauty of the landscapeideal for families or amateurs of nature.
Official link: Cernica Forest – Pantelimon City Hall (local information), Location on Google Maps.
2. The Park at the Mogoșoaia Palace
Description: The Mogosoaia domain, located ~ 15 km northwest of Bucharest, combines the historical value of the Brâncovenesc Palace with a generous park, becoming a favorite destination of Bucharest for green grass exits. The shady alleys, lawn areas and quiet gloss of the nearby lake create an atmosphere of story and a feeling of complete escape. The park is impeccably maintained and has a special space for picnicwhere visitors can sit on the grass, play badminton or volleyball and even grill in designated areas. In addition, you can walk on the lake, admire the architecture of the palace and visit the restored evenings of the Brancovenesque complex.
Popular activity: In addition to relaxing on grass blankets, a common activity is mentioned visiting the Mogoșoaia Palace itself – a 1702 edifice, a splendid example of Brancovenesque style, with inner museums and geometric gardens. Many visitors combine picnics with a cultural tour: “The park is ideal for a relaxing picnic, and the palace gives you the impression of a medieval castle – the gardens are perfect for walking”. There are also terraces on the lake where snacks or drinks can be served, completing the weekend experience.
Prices: The park entrance is freebut visiting the palace – museum involves ticket (15 lei adults, 8 lei students / pensioners). Official parking costs ~ 10 lei / day on the weekend. If you choose only for picnic and outdoor walk, you can enjoy the area without costs, only by budgeting possible drinks at terraces.
Quote from a recent review: “Mogoşoaia is the perfect place for a Sunday getaway – the palace architecture has castle air, and its gardens are ideal for a relaxing picnic at sunset”. This impression confirms why Mogosoaia remains a popular refuge: combines culture, nature and relaxation in one place.
Official link: The Brancovenesc Palace Mogosoaia – Brancovenești Palace (visiting information and events).
3. Comana Natural Park
Description: About 35 km south of Bucharest lies Comana Natural Park, often called “Neajlovului Delta” for large pools and rich biodiversity. Comana offers visitors an idyllic and authentic rural landscapeWith thick forests, quiet lakes and vast meadows, reminiscent of the stories of grandparents. It is a unique destination that combines untouched nature with historical vestiges – here lies the Monastery of Comana (founded by Vlad Zepes in 1461) and an impressive Mausoleum of the Heroes since World War I (arranged in 1932 with the support of Queen Maria and historian Nicolae Iorga). The entire park extends over 25,000 hectares, protecting hundreds of species of birds and plants, making each visit a lesson in outdoor biology.
Popular activity: Comana is famous for adventure and leisure in nature. The Comana Adventure Park provides spectacular thyrolians (including one 130 m across the lake), climbing trails through trees, archery, riding rides and even motopachute flights. Tourists can also take a boat or kayak ride on the quiet channels of Neajlovus, admiring walnuts and sea birds. Hiking on forest paths and birdwatching on the landscaped floors are highly appreciated activities by the lovers of silence. A visitor notes that marked routes offer “a quiet journey and fill your soul with calm – the forest is alive to chirp by the birds”. For families, there are also playgrounds and picnic areas with gazebo and tables, where you can sit your basket with merinde.
Prices: Access to Natural Park is freebut leisure activities are cost-effective. Tariffs are accessible: for example, 50 lei / person for 3 hours at the adventure park (includes equipment and 3 passes on the large thyroliana). A rowboat ride costs ~ 35 lei / hour and a bicycle rental ~ 15 lei / hour. Parking inside Comana complex is charged (~ 10 lei). The simple outdoor picnic, on the waterfront or at the edge of the forest, does not involve any cost – except perhaps rent a boat if you want to explore the mini-delta.
Quote from a recent review: “Comana Park is the escape of the locals from Bucharest – line paths through the forest, birds for admiring birds and a lot of activities for children. Natural beauty and fresh air make all the money.”. Indeed, Comana offers a rare combination of adventure and silence in a special natural setting, which is why it has become one of the most popular places to go to green grass.
Official link: Comana Adventure Park – Casa Comana (details activities and rates), Comana Natural Park – presentation (local tourist guide).
4. Lake Snagov and “Electric” Base
Description: North of Bucharest (~ 40 km) is the Snagov Lake, around which a green area has become classic weekend destination for the joys. In particular, the area around the former sports base “Electric” is equipped for outdoor recreation, offering a dream landscape with lake surrounded by forests and numerous leisure facilities. Lake Snagov itself (about 16 km long) has quiet and picturesque waters, ideal for boat or kayak rides on warm days. On the shore, large grass spaces and shady trees invite to stretch the blanket and relax, while watching the waterwaves. The atmosphere is a quiet holiday – away from the noise of the city, Snagov offers that nature corner where time seems to run more molcom.
Popular activity: Snagov Area – Electric Base is distinguished by the possibilities of sport and leisure made available. Inside the base (accessible to the public at certain intervals) you will find tennis and football courts, which attracts amateurs of outdoor movement. There are also pontoons for light watercraft – boating on the lake being a delightful experience at sunset. Many visitors simply choose To stand in the shadow of the trees on the shore, enjoying the lake view and the light breeze. A local article describes the place as “specially designed for recreation, with sports grounds, green areas where you can sit in the shade and relax in nature”. For those eager to explore, Snagov can rent boats or water bikes from private operators (e.g. hotels in the area provide such services), allowing access to the island of Snagov monastery in the middle of the lake.
Prices: Access to public banks is freeHowever, the entry into the premises of the “Electric” Base may be conditioned by a voucher of consumption (on weekends, ~ 50 lei / person, convertible at the restaurant in the field). Otherwise, a picnic on the Snagov bank costs you nothing. If you opt for a boat ride, expect ~ 100-150 lei per hour for a boat of 4-6 persons (or about 25-40 lei per person for a group tour). Sports fields are also rented (rates similar to those in the city, ~ 50- 100 lei / hour, if not used free by members). Basically, you can spend an entire day at Snagov with minimum budget, bringing home snacks and sports equipment.
Quote from a recent review: “Lake Snagov offers a picturesque and quiet view, ideal for relaxing walks or enjoying a day in nature”, notes a visitor, highlighting the charm of this place. In addition, the various facilities make Snagov please everyone – from families with children looking for playgrounds, to young active athletes or seniors looking for fresh and quiet air.
Official link: Lake Snagov – tourist guide (local site), Extreme Sports Snagov (recreational offer, private).
5. Dendrological Park Chitila
Description: Hidden just ~ 20 km northwest of Bucharest, in the small town of Chitila, this dendrological park opened in 2010 is an oasis of quiet and greenery less known. The park lies on the shore of a lake and houses dozens of species of trees and shrubs, forming a picturesque landscape every season. > TABLE > “Chitila Arboretum”, the place impresses through its neat alleys, the pontoon on the lake and, especially, through swan colony who settled here. Visitors are often welcomed by the “swan concert” – the elegant show of white swans floating graciously on the gloss of water, a special attraction that delights both the young and the adults. The park is equipped with picnic meadows, children’s playgrounds, drinking water cymbals and even automatic snacks – all you need to spend a few pleasant hours outdoors.
Popular activity: Feeding and admiring swans has become a ritual for many visitors to the park, these birds being true local “stars” (it is nevertheless appropriate to offer them special food or grain, not bread). The park also offers numerous shady corners where the world stretches blankets for quiet picnics. “Spaces designed to relax on grass or organize a picnic” are available everywhere, confirm official presentation. For families, there are modern playgrounds And enough space where children can run safely. Those eager for a little walk can cross the bridge to Little forest Chitila opposite the park – not very large, but crossed by perfect paths for a short walk in nature. The general atmosphere in the park is very peaceful; a local wrote online that he considered it “a true oasis of relaxation, with beautiful alleys and enough banks to enjoy the shade of the trees.”.
Prices: Access to Chitila Dendrological Park is free of charge for the public, the park is run by the local city hall. No entry or parking charges. Occasionally, cultural events or local fairs are organised in the park, but participation is generally free. If you want to eat something, there is a small kiosk / cafe in the premises with ordinary prices (coffee ~ 5- 7 lei, ice cream ~ 5 lei). Basically, you can enjoy all the park facilities without removing your wallet, which is one of the great advantages of the place.
Quote from a recent review: “Here you can admire swans floating graciously on the lake, offering a reassuring performance – a visual delight for all who visit the area”. This comment perfectly captures the charm of Chitila Park: nature, fauna and relaxation close to the city, in a place still shielded from the crowds of the great recreational areas.
Official link: Dendrologic Park Chitila – presentation (local blog), City Hall Chitila – Dendrological Park (community information).
This article is an English translation and adaptation of the original Romanian article on Lista Scurtă. Read the Romanian version.
