A day at Mogosoaia Palace, Bucharest, Romania

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Just outside of the Bucharest ring road sits a magnificent spot to spend a lazy Sunday away for the hustle and bustle of Romania’s capital city. We’d been told about Mogosoaia a few times over the last couple of months but it wasn’t until this past weekend we got to experience the place for ourselves.

Built between 1698 and 1702, the palace is actually part of a cluster of buildings that make up the complex here. Also on site is a guesthouse, watch tower, kitchen, ice-house, vault and greenhouse. In front of the palace, there’s an intricate garden leading to the lake while the area surrounding the whole complex is one of the finest public parks you’ll find in or around Bucharest.

One side of the palace complex.

Located to the north-west of Bucharest, Mogosoaia Palace is around 10km for the city centre and very easily reached by car or bus (460). Turning off the ring road you immediately enter Mogosoara and that same road leads directly to the park’s southern entrance, just after the Lukoil petrol station.

Entering the park at this point we were greeted with the smell of hot coffee and BBQ chicken from the cafes and restaurants just inside the gate. However, the most surprising thing was the village seen that has been constructed here, the pretty, miniature cottages sit amongst tables and chairs to form a sort of mini town square within the park’s entrance. The reason? we have no idea but it looks great.

The reason? we have no idea but it looks great.

Just inside the southern entrance to the park.

The main pathway through the park.

Walking down the main path through the park with it’s hanging baskets, large trees and colourful flower beds, this park definitely has a more luxurious feel than some of the other parks in Bucharest (and that’s saying a lot as they are mostly fantastic). Following this path takes you all the way to the palace. Although, it might take you a while to get there as you’ll be tempted by ice cream, corn on the cob, popcorn, doughnuts, chicken, fresh coffee and more along the route.

The palace is definitely worth a look and a good picture spot but most people are here for the well kept green space overlooking the lake. Families and couples arrive early with blankets, camping chairs and plenty of food to last them the day. It gets surprisingly hot in Romania so shaded space is a must and people are quick to set up camp in the best spots. Despite the popularity of the park, it’s big enough to cope with the demand and even at mid-afternoon feels lively without being too crowded.

For those looking to be a bit more active (or burn off all that ice cream) there is also plenty to do throughout the day. 4 man, 4 wheeled bikes are available to hire, kayaks can be rented on the waters edge and there’s even a water sports centre that specialises in wakeboarding for those who really want an adrenaline rush.

The garden and lake in fron of the palace.

Lacul Mogoșoaia.

Looking across the water to the opposite side of the lake, you can marvel at the impressive houses with their very own waterside gardens. Its clear Mogosoaia is popular with the well-to-do in Bucharest and it’s understandable why. It feels so close to the city and yet so very, very far away at the same time.