Pădurea-Parc „Râșcani”

Why it's worth the trip

Râșcani is Chișinău's north-eastern district, and the forest park that carries its name acts as a release valve for the dense neighbourhoods around it. The difference from the parks in the centre is that here the woodland was kept rather than planted: the paths run between mature trees, and the ground rises and falls enough for you to feel the effort.

The element that changes the character of the place entirely is the lake. The main paths are organised around it, and one shore has a sandy beach — a rarity inside a landlocked city. Add the fairground rides for families and you get the only park in the capital that covers walking, water and children's entertainment at once.

What to do there

The standard route is the circuit of the lake along the paths. It is done at an easy pace and, on the higher stretches, opens up views over the city — the reason photographers come here at sunset.

The sandy beach is the gathering point in summer. The rides operate as a separate zone, designed for small children. The rest of the grounds remain woodland: benches, shade and paths that runners use in the morning.

Accessibility and facilities

The entrance is wheelchair accessible, which is not the case for every green space in the city. The area is marked as suitable for children. There are no set hours — the park is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Bear in mind that the paths inside the woodland have natural unevenness; the accessible stretch is the one near the entrance and the lake.

When to go

Summer, if you want the beach and the rides. Autumn, if you want the woodland — the colour of the foliage is the main argument, and the paths are almost empty during the week. Mornings belong to runners, weekends to families.

Avoid midday hours in July and August on the lake shore: the shade is on the paths, not on the beach.

Getting there and what to combine it with

The main access is from Nicolae Dimo Street. From the centre, the drive takes around 20 minutes. The exact position is on the map of tourist sights.

In the same area, Parcul Afgan and Parcul Rîșcani are a few minutes away, and the Pădurea-Parc „Calea Orheiului” closes the north-east's green circuit. For dinner after the walk, the selection of restaurants in Chișinău is the starting point, and if you are organising your stay by area, the accommodation guide explains what staying outside the centre involves.