The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of

The Kerem Tunnel, Israel’s first cycle tunnel, was inaugurated as part of Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycling route surrounds Jerusalem.

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

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

Jerusalem was once a sought-after tourist destination due to its rich history. נווה פריצקי Elkin explained that the present along with its rich history the tunnel construction project encompasses modern day tourism. “The launch of the tunnel project is a different element of the development of Jerusalem. It transforms the city into an attractive tourist place for any kind of crowd within Israel and around the world.”

Elkin, whose ministry was responsible for the project, along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry invested hundreds of millions of shekels annually in the development of Jerusalem’s tourism as well as in creating new attractions and ventures that will connect the magnificent historic past with the future of Jerusalem. I would like to invite you to ride your bicycles on a scenic and well-maintained road that overlooks Old Jerusalem.

About NIS 25 million were invested in the project. It was budgeted by Elkin’s ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality, 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 is an essential tool for achieving the dream to change the way we think about transport in Jerusalem.” Elkin explained that the proposed tunnel is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path and will join existing bike routes. It will also be paved in its different areas. This will encourage cycling and promote green transportation in the capital.

The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate an important sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel that includes the fifth waterline that runs to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.

“The Kerem Tunnel project is a central tool to realize the goal of transforming Jerusalem’s transportation model. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León

In order to make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round, the works include road construction and installation of blowers.

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