A scientific reserve in western Moldova, protecting beech forests — rare at this latitude — together with crystalline springs and a rich biodiversity. A corner of cool, quiet nature.
The Plaiul Fagului reserve lies in Ungheni district, near the village of Rădenii Vechi, in the heart of the Moldovan Codri. Established in 1992 and extending over more than five thousand hectares, it is a strict scientific reserve intended to protect one of the most representative forest ecosystems of the Central Moldovan plateau, with a hilly relief, deep valleys and numerous springs.
The beech forest
The reserve's name comes from the beech, a tree relatively rare in Moldova, which finds here one of the country's most westerly and most concentrated ranges, over some 260 hectares. Although beech occupies only a small part of the wooded area, its presence gives the place its particular character. The forest is dominated, however, by sessile oak, which occupies the greater part of the wooded area, followed by ash and hornbeam, alongside oak, maple and other broadleaf species, forming shady, cool woods. The hilly relief, with altitudes reaching the ridges of the plateau, creates a mosaic of slopes, valleys and plateaus that shelter a great variety of habitats.
Flora and fauna
Plaiul Fagului shelters approximately 900 plant species, of which around 640 are vascular plants, while some 77 species are rare, representing almost a third of Moldova's endangered flora. The fauna is equally rich: red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, wildcats, badgers, martens, weasels and squirrels live here, as well as forest birds such as the eagle owl and the little owl. The diversity of insects is especially great, particularly in the floodplain of the streams, where the humidity favours numerous species.
Hydrography
A remarkable fact is that the river Bâc rises on the reserve's territory, going on to cross the capital, Chișinău. The numerous springs and streams maintain the forest's humidity and feed the wooded valleys.
Getting there
The reserve is reachable from the village of Rădenii Vechi and the town of Ungheni, in the western part of the country. Holding strict protection status, access to the core zones is regulated, but with the administration's consent and accompanied by guides, the visitor can follow trails that reveal the quiet and freshness of these ancient woods. The name "plai al fagului" (the beech uplands) sums up the charm of the place perfectly: an island of beech forest in a land where this tree is a rarity, protected for future generations.
What there is to see
Activities
At a glance
- Type
- Nature reserve
- Area
- Raionul Ungheni
- Season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Where to sleep, eat and taste nearby
Places to stay, eat and taste from our directory, sorted by distance. Every one rates at least 4 stars on Google with over 100 reviews.
Restaurant15 kmSushi House
On strada Națională, in Ungheni, a short distance from the crossing point towards Iași. A clear Japanese restaurant profile, with sushi as the base of the menu. The hours have one exception worth remembering: from Tuesday to Sunday it opens at eleven in the morning, but on Monday only at three in the afternoon. Closing is at eleven at night every day. It accepts bookings and takes groups and families with children. Free parking of its own and on the street. Prices in the mid range. No terrace, and the places are not adapted for wheelchairs. Dogs are not admitted.
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Restaurant15 kmDAVIDAN SUSHI UNGHENI
DAVIDAN SUSHI is on Strada Națională in Ungheni, the border town on the Prut, and brings sushi to an area where the offer usually stopped at local cooking. The hours are for lunch and evening: daily, from eleven in the morning to eleven at night. It has vegetarian options, takes children and groups and accepts bookings. Dogs are accepted, and parking — in the courtyard or on the street — is free and wheelchair adapted, as are the entrance and the places in the dining room. The toilet is not adapted.
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Restaurant15 kmPatiseria Cookies
A patisserie on strada Națională, in Ungheni, working equally as a bakery, a confectioner's and a shop — so for eating on the spot or taking on the road. It opens at eight in the morning during the week and at nine at the weekend, closing at eight in the evening. It is the address for a quick breakfast before leaving for Chișinău or for the border crossing with Romania. Prices in the mid range. It has no terrace and no adapted wheelchair access. A place to pick up something good and move on, not to linger.
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Restaurant15 kmCasa Albă
Casa Albă is in Humulești, a district of the town of Ungheni, close to the crossing point towards Romania. It is a family restaurant with almost round-the-clock hours — it opens at nine in the morning and closes at four in the morning, every day — a format typical of the venues that host weddings and christenings in the provinces. It has a terrace, takes groups and accepts bookings. It is one of the few fully accessible addresses: parking, entrance, toilet and seating adapted for wheelchairs. Dogs are accepted.
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Restaurant15 kmMagadan
On strada Vasile Alecsandri, in the centre of Ungheni, a step from the crossing point towards Iași. A restaurant that works from the morning, from eight o'clock, with breakfast served on the spot — useful if you caught the night train or crossed the border early. What sets it apart from the rest of the town are the weekend hours: from Friday to Sunday the kitchen and the dining room stay open until five in the morning. The rest of the week it closes at midnight. Terrace, free parking of its own and on the street, bookings accepted. Mid-range prices, a dining room that takes groups and families with children without difficulty.
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Stay15 kmVila Verde
Vila Verde is on Națională street in Ungheni, a border town on the bank of the Prut, with a direct crossing towards Iași. Its position on the main artery makes it easy to find coming in on the road from Chișinău. The property welcomes families with children and has its own page where availability and rates can be checked. Ungheni is a logical stop for anyone entering or leaving the country at Sculeni or by train, but also a base for the Plaiul Fagului reserve and the villages in the Codri west of Călărași, less than an hour away.
See detailsWhere to stay near Plaiul Fagului
Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in the area, on one map — prices compared across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
Questions about Plaiul Fagului
Where is Plaiul Fagului?
Plaiul Fagului is in Raionul Ungheni, in the Republic of Moldova.
What is there to see at Plaiul Fagului?
Among the highlights: Beech forests rare at this latitude, Springs and biodiversity, Scientific reserve.
What can you do here?
Drumeție, Observarea naturii, Fotografie.
When is the best time to visit Plaiul Fagului?
The recommended time is: Spring, Summer, Autumn.
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