Activity

The Kerem Tunnel allows for a unique hiking and riding experience.

The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel is now open in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around Jerusalem, the capital city.

The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The tunnel’s southern entry point can be found within Refaim Park below Ein Laban. The northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem about half one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.

The opening ceremony of the tunnel, which is 2.1 kilometers long was held in Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin, Mayor Moshelion and Avi Baleshnikov (Gihon water company chairman) and hundreds more cyclists.

Jerusalem was once a tourist attraction because of its rich history. Elkin said that the present tourist industry is a part of Jerusalem’s historical treasures and incorporates modern day tourism. “The launch of the tunnel is another part in the development Jerusalem. It transforms Jerusalem into an attractive tourist destination for every kind of person within Israel as well as around the world.”

Elkin, whose ministry was spearheaded the project along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry has invested thousands of shekels each year in the city’s tourism development as well as in creating new activities and ventures that will connect the magnificent historic past with the future of Jerusalem. I invite the cycling community to ride a secure and modern-day route that takes you through Old Jerusalem.

The project was financed by the Elkin’s department as well as the Tourism Ministry. It also included budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The project was done by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stated that “The Kerem Tunnel Project is an essential tool for achieving the dream to transform the concept of transport throughout Jerusalem.” “The tunnel is set to connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path. It will be connected to the many cycling routes that exist in the city. These will be paved throughout the city’s various neighborhoods. The aim is to encourage cycling among the residents of Jerusalem.

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewer of Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. This plant is west of Sorek and is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel.

נווה פריצקי “The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument to achieve the goal of transforming Jerusalem’s transport model. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee

The current work includes road construction, installation blowers, and advanced safety systems to ensure that the tunnel is secure for all to use during the entire year.

The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to many recreation sites, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium and also historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.