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

The Kerem Tunnel, Israel’s first bike tunnel, opened as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycling route surrounds Jerusalem.

The tunnel links Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entry is located within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is approximately half a mile away from the Kerem junction.

נווה פריצקי The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was inaugurated by Jerusalem’s Heritage Minister ZeevElkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion, Avi Balehnikov Gihon Water Company chairman, as well as hundreds of cyclists.

Jerusalem was a desirable tourist destination due to its rich past. Elkin stated that nowadays as well as its rich history, the tunnel project also includes modern tourism. “The opening (of the tunnel) is another aspect of the expansion of Jerusalem as well as its transformation into a desirable city to visit for all kinds of people in Israel as well as across the globe.”

Elkin, whose ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, stated that his ministry “invests hundreds to millions of shekels each year to develop all aspects of Jerusalem’s visitors and in the design and operation of new attractions, ventures , and other attractions which connect the rich past of Jerusalem to the future”. I would like to invite cyclists to enjoy a safe and modernized route that will take the cyclist through Old Jerusalem.

A total of NIS 25 million was earmarked in the project, budgeted by the Elkin’s Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, as well as the work done by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stated that the Kerem Tunnel project was a crucial element in achieving the dream of altering the way of transportation in Jerusalem. “The tunnel is set to connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path. It will be connected to the many bicycle paths that are already within the city. They will be laid within the numerous areas. The aim is to promote cycling among the residents of the city.

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

“The Kerem tunnel project is central to realizing the vision for changing Jerusalem’s transportation system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

Construction of roads, the installation and testing of safety and electrical systems are some of the ongoing efforts to ensure that the tunnel is secure for all seasons.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation spots which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium, and the historical natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.