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

The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel was opened in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, the capital city.

The tunnel links Nahal Refaim with Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is about half a kilometer away from the Kerem junction.

The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel was officially opened at a formal ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.

Jerusalem was once a very well-known tourist destination due to its historic past. נווה פריצקי Elkin said that today in addition to its historical treasures it is also home to modern-day travelers. “The inauguration [of] this tunnel project is yet another milestone in the advancement of Jerusalem as an attractive tourist destination for all kinds of tourists throughout Israel and around the globe.”

Elkin’s ministry, which was also headed the project in conjunction with Jerusalem Municipality, declared that his ministry “invests hundreds and millions of shekels annually in all aspects of Jerusalem’s tourism, and also in the creation of exciting attractions and ventures that connect the magnificent historical history of our capital city with the future.” I encourage cyclists to visit and enjoy an up-to-date and well-maintained cycling route that takes in the unique nature of Old Jerusalem.”

About NIS 25 million were invested in the project, financed by Elkin’s ministry The Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, and the work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stressed, “The Kerem Tunnel project will be a central instrument for realizing our vision to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem.” “The tunnel, which connects with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing cycle routes within the city and will be constructed within the different areas. It’s designed to encourage cycling within its inhabitants, and promote a green transportation revolution in Jerusalem.”

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

“The Kerem tunnel is a key tool to realize the dream of transforming Jerusalem’s transportation system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

The current work includes road construction, installation blowers, as well as advanced security systems to ensure the tunnel is safe for all to use during the entire year.

Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel provides access to exclusive recreation spots, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo as well the historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.