Activity

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

The Kerem Tunnel, the first cycle tunnel in Israel is now open in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycling route that surrounds Jerusalem, the capital city.

The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance of the tunnel is below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem.

נווה פריצקי On Thursday, Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, Mayor Michael, Avi Baleshnikov, Gihon chairman, and hundreds of cyclists attended a ceremony to inaugurate the tunnel’s 2.1-kilometer-long length.

Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination because of its rich historical. Elkin said that, today as well as its rich history the tunnel construction project encompasses modern day tourism. “The inauguration of this tunnel project another element of the development of Jerusalem. The tunnel transforms Jerusalem into an attractive destination for tourists of any kind of crowd in Israel as well as around the world.”

Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that the ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem’s tourism in all its aspects and in the creation of new activities and ventures that connect the glorious historical past of our eternal capital to the future of Jerusalem… I encourage cyclists to take advantage of a a well-maintained, modern cycle route, which overlooks the stunning nature of Old Jerusalem.

Elkin’s Ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.

Elkin stated, “The Kerem Tunnel project will be a central instrument in achieving our goal to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem.” “The tunnel, which will connect to the lengthy Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing bike pathways in the city, as well as those that will be paved in its various neighborhoods, to encourage cycling among the city’s residents as well as its visitors, and also in promoting the green transportation revolution in the capital city.”

The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s to relocate its main sewer line to the Sorek purification plant.

“The Kerem tunnel is a crucial tool for achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem’s transportation system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee

In order to make the tunnel accessible to the general public throughout the year the work includes road construction, as well as installation of blowers.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to special recreation areas – including the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium and the historical natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.