About

Valås is a popular and easily accessible destination in Porsgrunn, offering one of the area's most impressive panoramic views. From the summit, you get an unobstructed view stretching from the archipelago and the sea in the south, inwards over the fjords towards Langesund and Brevik, across large parts of Porsgrunn city (Moheim and Eidanger), and all the way to Lifjell. On clear days, you can even spot the majestic Mount Gaustatoppen.

Short and Family-Friendly Summit Hike

The hike up to Valås is ideal for everyone, including children, as it is short and has a gentle ascent.

  • Length: Just under 1.5 km one way.
  • Duration: The expected time to the summit is approximately 20 minutes.
  • Elevation: The hike has a gradual climb with an elevation difference of 130 meters, without any overly strenuous sections.

Route Description to Valås

The trail starts at the main parking area at the top of the hill by Lillegårdskleivene and is marked and signposted.

  1. Start: Immediately after the start, a sign indicates the direction to Valås.
  2. Tractor Road: After just over 300 meters from the parking, you join a small tractor road.
  3. Trail Split: Follow the tractor road for about 500 meters to a clear trail split (hard to miss). Here, the path marked "Valås" turns upwards into the forest on the left side.
  4. To the Top: From here, the path is easy to follow up to the summit. The trail has a gentle upward slope, but gets a bit steeper towards the end.

Extended Option: The Sortilen Loop

For those who want a longer hike, the trip up to Valås can be combined as a loop around Sortilen.

  • Loop Length: The entire loop is approximately 5 km and is marked and signposted. It has been improved with boardwalks and two new bridges.
  • Rest Spots: There are nice places for breaks and picnics at Sortilen and by Lannerdammen.

(Source: ut.no)

Responsible Travel in Nature

We encourage all visitors to practice responsible conduct to preserve the natural environment. This includes following marked trails, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, taking all litter with you, and respecting local rules for protected areas. Your efforts help maintain the beauty of nature.