Hula Lake is a short drive from our suites, and we send almost every guest who asks what to do in the Upper Galilee there. Here's what we've learned ourselves over the years — when to go, how to get around the reserve, and why it's worth checking the forecast before you set out.
The season changes almost everything — both what you'll see and how many people are around you.
This is the season people fly to the Galilee for — tens of thousands of common cranes resting at the lake on their way south. Early morning, close to sunrise, is when you see them lifting off en masse from the roosting fields.
Fewer cranes, but also fewer people around you, and pleasant weather for a long ride. If you'd rather have quiet than sheer numbers of birds, this is your window.
The cranes have gone, but there are plenty of nesting species — herons, pelicans and falcons. It's hotter, so come early in the morning and avoid the middle of the day.
In any season the most dramatic hour is close to sunrise or sunset, when the cranes take off or land in enormous flocks. Check that day's sunrise time and arrive about fifteen minutes before.
There are several ways to tour the reserve, and each suits a different kind of visitor.
A cycling route circling the main body of the lake, letting you stop at the hides along the way at your own pace. Bring your own bikes or hire them on site for an extra charge.
Suits families with small children, or anyone who'd rather not cycle. The cart moves slowly and allows photo stops along the route.
A guided option, good for anyone who wants the history of the lake's draining and restoration alongside the birdwatching. Book ahead in peak season — places are limited.
Permanent hides are spread along the route, and at some stations you can listen to recorded explanations. It's worth stopping at each tower for a few minutes rather than riding past.
A few things worth knowing before leaving Rosh Pina.
Early winter mornings by the water can be genuinely cold, even if it warms up substantially by midday. We always tell guests to bring an extra warm layer and peel it off as the day goes on.
Not essential, but binoculars turn the visit into something else entirely — you see the detail on the cranes rather than just the flock in the distance.
Hula Lake is close enough that you can go in the morning and be back to rest by midday. Plan the visit for early morning and leave the rest of the day for the old town or the suite.
There's an entrance fee to the reserve, plus a separate charge for bike or cart hire. Prices change between seasons — check the official site before you go.
A full day at the lake is tiring but worth it, and we'd suggest pairing it with one more nearby stop.
After a morning at the lake, the small colony with its historic street and cafés is a pleasant stop before carrying on with the day. We share our regular recommendations in the area guide.
After a day on foot or on a bike, Mango Suite with its private courtyard jacuzzi is exactly what the body is asking for. There's more on our suites page.
To end the day in complete calm, you can book a treatment in the suite with Galilee Massage — details on our spa page. Arrange it in advance so we can find a time that suits.
A few things guests ask us before heading to the lake.
November to January are the months with the largest concentration of common cranes, usually peaking in December.
The full cycling route takes about an hour and a half to two hours at an unhurried pace, and a guided cart tour usually runs about an hour.
Very much so, especially with the electric golf cart — it needs almost no effort and allows frequent stops.
Two boutique suites in the heart of Rosh Pina — jacuzzi, pool and a warm welcome. Check availability and book direct.
Check availability & bookOpening hours, entry prices and the frequency of guided tours at Hula Lake vary between seasons — please check the reserve's official site in advance. By Omri and Julia, hosts at Nofesh BaPina.