Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Road to Plaiul Fagului and revival of tourism in Codri

There is a place in the Republic of Moldova where time seems to have stood still to allow nature to perfect its work. Plaiul Fagului Scientific Reserve, a jewel of biodiversity located at the intersection of Ungheni and Călărași districts, is today more accessible than ever. Thanks to recent investments in infrastructure, what was once a hard-to-reach destination has turned into a must-see point on the map of any traveler in search of peace, fresh air, and spectacular landscapes.

The road that connects people with nature

The success of tourism always begins with a good road. In recent years, the Central-West area of Moldova has benefited from major road infrastructure rehabilitation projects. New road segments that connect the main national arteries with the villages in the heart of Codri forests not only shorten travel time but also offer increased comfort.

The journey to the Reserve is now a pleasure in itself. The road winds among wooded hills, offering panoramas reminiscent of mountain regions. The modernization of local roads in the area means that tourists can reach the reserve’s gate safely, regardless of the season, while also facilitating access to agro-tourism guesthouses in villages such as Rădenii Vechi or Bahmut.

Plaiul Fagului – a sanctuary of biodiversity

Once you reach your destination, you are greeted by monumental silence.  Plaiul Fagului Reserve, spread over an area of more than 5,000 hectares, is unique in that it is home to the easternmost beech forests in Europe. It is a true living museum where flora and fauna are protected with utmost care.

Tourist experience: From trails to gastronomy

Tourism in Plaiul Fagului is not limited to just sightseeing. The reserve’s administration has developed well-marked ecotourism trails, suitable both for solitary hikes and for families with children.

Nature observation: There are specially arranged shelters for observing animals and viewpoints from which you can see the forest stretching all the way to the horizon.

Lakes in the heart of the forest: The reserve also hosts a series of picturesque lakes, where the reflection of trees in the water creates a hypnotic scene, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Local tradition: After a day of walking through the forest, tourists are welcomed into the surrounding communities.

A sustainable future

Investments in roads and the promotion of the reserve are part of a broader strategy to transform Moldova into a sustainable tourism destination. Plaiul Fagului proves that infrastructure development does not have to come at the expense of nature, but can instead highlight it.

Today, a trip to Ungheni or Călărași is no longer just a logistical journey, but an invitation to explore. The “Plaiul Fagului” Reserve remains a symbol of nature’s resilience and a national pride that awaits its visitors to discover its secrets beneath the rustle of beech leaves. Tip for tourists: The best time to visit is in autumn, when the forest bursts into golden and copper tones, or in early spring, when a carpet of snowdrops and violets covers the entire reserve. Do not forget to book your visit in advance to benefit from guided tours by specialists who can tell you the story of every corner of the forest. Walking the trails of Plaiul Fagului is more than a simple excursion; it is a return to one’s origins and an exercise in admiration for nature’s regenerative power. Here, where the new road ends and the rustle of the ancient forest begins, we discover that the Republic of Moldova has the power to surprise through contrasts – between the modern infrastructure that brings us closer and the untamed wilderness that invites us to silence.

This “green heart” of Codri is not just a tourist destination, but a testament to our identity, a place where every beech tree tells a story and every breath of fresh air reminds us how precious is the legacy we leave to future generations. By visiting these lands, we not only discover Moldova, but learn to value it again, with every step taken under the golden canopy of the forest.

Photo: Mihai Vengher