Klemensker – Bornholm's cheese village in the heart of the island

History and character of Klemensker

The origins of Klemensker possibly date back to around 3800 BC – evidence of a settlement has been found in the area of today's Smedegade. Runestones have also been discovered in the village, and some of the local roads are documented in records from the 14th century. The village inn, Klemens Kro, appears in sources as early as 1548, but the first homes around the church only began to appear at the end of the 19th century, and the school opened in 1906.

The name Klemensker derives from the parish church – Sankt Clemens Kirke. The suffix "-ker" is a local Bornholmian form of the word "kirke" (church), just as in several other localities on the island. Klemensker has retained its rural, agricultural character – with open fields, farms, and a peaceful rhythm of life far from the tourist bustle.

Sankt Clemens Kirke

The present church in Klemensker was completed in 1882 from granite, replacing a medieval church dedicated to Saint Clement, first documented in 1335 (Latin name "beati Clementis parrochia"). The building stands on a hilltop at 114 metres above sea level – one of the highest-situated churches on Bornholm.

The church interior was renovated in 1960, with decorations by Paul Høm from Gudhjem – an artist known for his work in several Bornholm churches. The décor reflects the traditions of Bornholm's sacred art.

Bornholms Andelsmejeri – world-famous cheese

Klemensker is the home of Bornholms Andelsmejeri – the island's only dairy, producing a wide range of cheeses and dairy products. Its greatest fame comes from Danish Blue cheese, which won the World Cheese Champion title in 1980 and 1998 at the competition in Wisconsin, USA.

The export division, operating under the St. Clemens Food Products brand, ships approximately 4,500 tonnes of cheese annually to customers around the world. Proof that even a small village on a Baltic island can be a global leader in cheese production.

The former Bornholm railway

Klemensker once had its own railway station on the Allinge Railway line, connecting Rønne with Allinge and Sandvig near Hammershus. The railway operated from 1913 to 1953 and played an important role in transporting residents and goods across the island. Today, traces of the former line remain, and the history of Bornholm's railways can be explored in Nexø.

Discover the DBJ Railway Museum in Nexø

Simblegårdsvej – a road with character

Starting from the village inn Klemens Kro, the road Simblegårdsvej begins with an extremely steep drop, followed by a long climb up Klemensker Bakke (Klemensker Hill). It is one of those stretches on Bornholm that stays in the memory of cyclists and drivers alike. The farm Simblegård lies to the north of this road.

Location and surroundings

Klemensker lies in the inland, agricultural part of Bornholm, away from the coast but within easy reach of several important towns. To the west is Hasle with its harbour and smokehouses, to the south-west the island's capital Rønne, and to the north Allinge with access to the Hammershus ruins. Klemensker's position at a major crossroads makes it a natural transfer point on cycling and driving routes across the island.

What to see nearby

Hasle

A coastal town with a fishing harbour, the famous Hasle Røgeri smokehouse, and charming streets. Just 7 km from Klemensker – perfect for an afternoon outing.

Rønne

Bornholm's capital with its museum, Hjorths Fabrik ceramics, ferry port, and historic old town. The island's largest town, 13 km south-west of Klemensker.

Hammershus Ruins

The largest medieval fortress in Scandinavia, perched on a cliff above the sea. The former railway from Klemensker ran towards Allinge and Sandvig, at the foot of Hammershus.