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

As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that surrounds Jerusalem’s capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.

The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. נווה פריצקי The tunnel’s southern entry point can be found in Refaim Park below Ein Laban. The northern entrance is in Nahal Ein Kerem about half a km away from the Kerem junction.

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

Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination because of its glorious history. Elkin explained that the modern tourism industry is one of Jerusalem’s historic treasures and incorporates modern day tourism. “The inauguration[of] the tunnel project is another aspect of the development Jerusalem and its transformation into a desirable tourism destination for all in Israel and the world.

Elkin who, through his ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, stated that the Jerusalem Municipality’s ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels per year in the development all aspects Jerusalem’s tourism and the design and operation of exciting tourist attractions, ventures, and activities that link the rich history of our eternal city to the future”. I invite all cyclists to come and take a ride along the modern, well-maintained route which overlooks Old Jerusalem.

The project was funded by Elkin’s ministry and the Tourism Ministry. It also included the budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The project was completed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stated that the Kerem Tunnel project was a important tool to realize the dream of shifting the idea of transportation throughout Jerusalem. “The new tunnel that connects to the Jerusalem Ring Path will join existing paths for bicycles and those that will paved in its areas. The goal is to encourage biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green transport revolution in the capital.”

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 in order to transfer the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. This plant is located west of Sorek and is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel.

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

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon

Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are just some of the ongoing projects to make the tunnel safer for all year.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation spots such as the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium, as well as the historic natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.