The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique adventure in hiking and riding which is loved by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bike tunnel, opened as part of Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycle path surrounds Jerusalem.
The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. נווה פריצקי Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was inaugurated during a celebration on Thursday , attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem's rich past was the main reason why it was an extremely popular tourist spot in the past. Today, apart from its historic treasures the city also offers modern-day tourism," Elkin said. "The launch of the tunnel project is another part of the development of Jerusalem's city Jerusalem as well as its development into a dazzling tourist city for all types of visitors in Israel as well as around the world."
Elkin's ministry, which was responsible for the project along in conjunction with Jerusalem Municipality, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels annually throughout Jerusalem's tourism, and also in the creation of exciting attractions and ventures that connect the magnificent historical history of our capital city and its future." I would like to invite you to ride your bicycles along a stunning and well-maintained road that overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin explained that the Kerem Tunnel project is an important tool in realizing the idea to change the way of thinking and transport in Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect with existing cycle paths within the city as well as the ones that will be constructed within the different neighborhood. It's designed to encourage bicycle riding among its residents, and promote an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate a main sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is now being used as an infrastructure tunnel which also includes the fifth line of water to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem tunnel project is essential to achieving the goal of changing Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
Present work includes road construction, installation blowers as well as advanced security systems to ensure the tunnel is secure for everyone to use all year.
The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to numerous places to relax, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium as well as historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.