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Zakopane
Ciemniak (2096 m) is the westernmost summit of the Czerwone Wierchy massif in the Western Tatras. It lies on the ridge between Chuda Przełączka and Krzesanica, above the Kościeliska and Miętusia valleys. It is built of sedimentary rock, mainly limestone and dolomite, which is clearly reflected in the shape of its slopes.
The slopes of Ciemniak conceal one of the most heavily karstified parts of the Tatras. The massif contains extensive cave systems, among them Jaskinia Miętusia, the Ice Cave in Ciemniak and Studnia w Kazalnicy Miętusiej. Most of them remain closed to tourists and accessible only to cavers.
The summit is reached by the red trail starting in the Kościeliska Valley; the climb covers about five kilometres and takes close to four hours. The route is physically demanding, and the whole Czerwone Wierchy ridge is exposed to wind and rapid weather changes. The rules of the Tatra National Park apply, including a ban on bringing dogs.
