Coastal path: Langesund - Rognstranda

This part of the trail is generally easy and straightforward to go , but can be hilly someplaces . Langesund is well worth a visit  before heading out onto the trail.

We go through Vaterlandsgata from the square out to Furustranda. Here is the information board on the coastal path. The trip out here going through idyllic white-painted wooden houses, where we can make detours into narrow alleyways or out to the characteristic piers extending far out into the strait.

We get glimpses into the manicured gardens and out to the elongated sound and Langøya with the lighthouse at the tip. The trail goes on around the rod quickly. This is an abandoned coastal fort from the war and there are good information boards about the history of the place. From here, there are magnificent views Langøytangen Lighthouse and large parts of the archipelago. A wide and good trail follows the west side of the rod to Steinvika. This is a popular hiking destination for swimming and sunbathing in the summer, and to experience the sea in rough weather.

Geology buffs will find interesting fossils here and the place is a well-known part of the Geopark.

Northwest Over we go on ancient trails through the old "water park" and comes to traditional Langesund. In and around Langesund rod is set up lots benches for picnics and to new views. These are from early last century but is still in good condition.

The progress in 2014 a larger volunteer work for bringing benches to light after prolonged overgrowth. See separate link below with detailed information. Vest for Langesund Bad has Bamble turlag built several bridges to get across a creek and through rough terrain.

The stunning great Krogshavn has large grassy for ball games and other activities. Here is the superb swimming on the rocks or on the sand beach. There are landscaped barbecue area with tables and benches for picnicking. This is Bamble millennium and one finds the anchor for Full City, which ran aground off the coast in summer 2009.

Both the Langesund Bad and Krogshavn there are information boards on the coastal path. Further west the path leads past Kjerrvik with many cottages and superb views over the sea.

We go north on hills overlooking the fjord and going to the shallow Sandvika. Maybe it can tempt you with a break at the old crofts and cottages by the sea.

The path takes a detour to Jypleviktangen, a promontory jutting out into the ocean and is a popular recreational area, especially in spring. Leather Vika just west has excellent opportunities for picnicking and is sheltered except when the wind comes straight from the south.

After walking in a hilly terrain, we will Rognsåsen, with unique views of the archipelago. Here we are at the very edge of the geologically interesting Oslo Field. From Rognsåsen trail goes quite steeply down to Rognstranda. Here is the campsite and lovely sandy beach.

Geology Park Gea Norvegica Geopark has informative displays here. They show the unique geological history of the place. It is a great landscaped barbecue area here. On Rognstranda ends this part of the trail, but for those who want a longer walk, simply follow the bruises on.

Much of the trail passes through nature reserves, so it is important to follow the rules applicable to such areas (see the information boards). Since the entire area is located on calcareous ground, it has a very rich flora.

Several places along the trail there are information boards on the area's flora and fauna. If you do not want to go the whole distance, the following trips be worth trying.

1) Start in Langesund and follow the path to Krogshavn. Follow Roads (with sidewalks) the short piece back to Langesund.

2) Start the Krogshavn and follow the path to Sandvika. Follow tractor road (along the coastal path option) north from Sandvika. Turn right again traktrovei after about 350m. Follow this approximately 500m and go straight north for housing development. Follow the road towards Langesund (with sidewalks) back to Krogshavn. Alternatively, go to Krogshavnt hrough residential areas, or cross the main road and go on nice trails through the woods south.

3) Start at the parking lot for Jypleviktangen. Follow the path south to the coastal path to Jypleviktangen and on to Rognsåsen. Approximately 300 m north of the viewpoint path leads right back to the parking lot.

Info about Gea Norvegica click here