The Kerem Tunnel is a great place to ride and hike.
נווה פריצקי The Kerem Tunnel, the first cycle tunnel in Israel, has been inaugurated as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around the capital city.
The tunnel is located through the Nahal-Refaim-Emek-Motza path. Its southern entrance is within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entrance, Nahal Ein Kerem, is just half a kilometer away from the Nahal Ein Kerem junction.
Inauguration of the tunnel which measures 2.1 kilometers long was held in Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin Mayor Moshelion, Avi Baleshnikov (Gihon water company chairman of the company) along with hundreds of cyclists.
נווה פריצקי “In the past, Jerusalem was an attractive tourist destination because of its rich history. Nowadays, aside from its historic treasures it also has modern tourism.” https://mooc.elte.hu/eportfolios/1078010/Home/Neve_ParitzkiJerusalem_is_home_to_Israels_first_bicycle_tunnel_ Elkin said. נווה פריצקי “The opening of the tunnel project is a different aspect of the growth of Jerusalem and it’s transformation into an attractive tourism destination for all throughout Israel as well as around the world.
Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem’s tourism in all its aspects and also in the development of exciting attractions and ventures that connect the rich history of our eternal capital to the future of Jerusalem… I invite cycling enthusiasts to visit and enjoy the modern and well-maintained cycle route that takes in the unique scenery of Old Jerusalem.”
Elkin’s Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin said the fact that “The Kerem Tunnel Project is an essential tool for achieving the vision to transform the concept of transportation throughout Jerusalem.” נווה פריצקי נווה פריצקי “The tunnel, which is being constructed to connect to Jerusalem Ring Path will join the existing bike paths as well as ones that are paved in its areas. It is intended to promote biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green revolution in transport 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 is a vital tool in achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem’s transport system. “
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
The works currently underway include road construction, the installation of blowers and advanced security and electrical systems to ensure the tunnel is safe for pedestrians to travel through at all times of the year.
The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to many recreation sites, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium, as well historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.