Information
Landmark: Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park)City: Bucharest
Country: Romania
Continent: Europe
Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park), Bucharest, Romania, Europe
Physical & Material Composition
King Michael I Park (formerly Herăstrău) encompasses a total area of 187 hectares, with the central lake covering approximately 74 hectares. The lake's perimeter measures 5.9 kilometers and is retained by concrete embankments and stone masonry. The park’s infrastructure includes 14 kilometers of paved asphalt pathways and several reinforced concrete bridges, including a railway bridge that bisects the northern section.
The terrain consists of alluvial soil and stabilized landfill with a maximum elevation variance of 5 meters. Vegetation is dominated by Tilia (lime), Acer (maple), and Fraxinus (ash) species, alongside a dedicated Japanese Garden featuring Prunus serrulata (cherry blossoms). Sculptural elements within the "Statue Square" are primarily cast in bronze or carved from Vratsa limestone.
Geographical Coordinates
The park is located in the northern sector of Bucharest, bounded by Bulevardul Constantin Prezan to the south and Șoseaua București-Ploiești to the west. The central coordinate is recorded at 44°28′28″N 26°04′52″E. It is positioned 3.2 kilometers north of the city center (Piața Romană).
The site is bordered to the east by Bulevardul Aviatorilor and to the north by the Băneasa district. The Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) is situated at the southwestern entrance of the park. The Colentina River flows through the park, forming the central lacustrine system.
Access Logistics
Pedestrian access is provided through 12 main gates, with the primary entrance located at the intersection of Șoseaua Kiseleff and Bulevardul Constantin Prezan. The Aviatorilor Metro Station (M2 line) serves the southeastern perimeter. STB bus lines 131, 301, 331, and 335 stop at the "Piața Charles de Gaulle" and "Arcul de Triumf" stations.
A 5.9-kilometer loop track is designated for cyclists and pedestrians, maintaining a maximum grade of 3%. Water transport is available via a fleet of motorized ferries and rowboats operating from the central pier near the "Expoflora" zone. Public parking is located at the northern entrance near the Diplomatic Club and along Șoseaua Nordului.
Historical Markers
The park was inaugurated in 1936, following the drainage of marshy terrain under the supervision of architects Ernest Pinard and Friedrich Rebhuhn. The "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum was established within the park boundaries in the same year, spanning 10 hectares. Originally named National Park, it was renamed Carol II Park, then I.V. Stalin Park in 1948, before becoming Herăstrău in 1956 and King Michael I in 2017.
Major hydraulic works were conducted between 1930 and 1935 to regulate the Colentina River and create the current lake basin. The "Summer Theatre," an open-air amphitheater, was constructed in 1956 as part of a socialist-era expansion. The park was officially designated as a historical monument under the code B-II-a-A-18802.
Insider Observation
On the northern shore, near the railway bridge, a specific concrete marker displays a hydrological gauge used to monitor the lake's depth relative to the 1970 flood levels. The Japanese Garden contains a set of stone lanterns (Tōrō) donated by the Japanese government, each featuring a unique serial number on the base of the granite pillar.
Small populations of Emys orbicularis (European pond turtle) can be observed on partially submerged logs in the reed beds near the northern wetlands. A 10-centimeter brass plaque on the "Expoflora" gate records the 1995 renovation date. The bark of the oldest Quercus robur (pedunculate oak) in the eastern sector exhibits specific deep fissuring reaching 5 centimeters in depth.
Surrounding Environmental Context
The park is flanked to the west by the Romexpo Exhibition Center and the Pullmann Hotel. To the east, the Șoseaua Nordului residential area consists of high-density premium housing and restaurants. The southern border is defined by the Arch of Triumph and the headquarters of the Romanian Public Television (TVR).
Neighboring water bodies include Lake Băneasa to the north and Lake Floreasca to the southeast, connected via a lock system. The Diplomatic Club, featuring a golf course and tennis courts, occupies the northwestern boundary. Local fauna includes the Sterna hirundo (common tern) and various species of Anatidae (ducks) inhabiting the central island.
