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

The Kerem Tunnel is the first bike tunnel to be constructed in Israel and was opened as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around the capital.

The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away close to the Kerem junction.

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

נווה פריצקי Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination due to its rich past. Elkin stated that the current tourist industry is a part of Jerusalem’s treasures from the past and incorporates modern day tourism. “The inauguration of [this] tunnel is another aspect of the development of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem as well as its development into an attractive tourist destination for all kinds of audiences in Israel and around the world.”

Elkin who’s ministry spearheaded the project along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry invested hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the city’s tourism development and also in the creation of new activities and ventures that will connect the magnificent historic past with the future of Jerusalem. I encourage all cyclists to take a trip and enjoy the modern, well-maintained route that takes in the view of Old Jerusalem.

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

Elkin stated the fact that “The Kerem Tunnel Project is the central instrument to achieve the goal to redefine the idea of transportation throughout Jerusalem.” Elkin said that the new tunnel will connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path and will link with existing bike trails. It will also be paved in its different areas. The tunnel will be a great way to increase cycling and encourage green transportation in the capital.

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

“The Kerem Tunnel Project is essential to realize the vision of transforming the concept of transportation across Jerusalem. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee

The current projects include road construction, installation blowers, and advanced safety equipment to ensure the tunnel is secure for everyone to use during the entire year.

The Kerem Tunnel allows for access to exclusive recreation areas for instance Ein Kerem, a neighborhood which has a Biblical zoo and aquarium and historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.