“Is this really a prison?”: 10 of the most comfortable prisons in the world (2 photos + 9 videos)

When we hear the word "prison", we usually imagine iron bars, terrible conditions, small cells and miserable prisoners. However, not all prisons are like this - some of them are more like a 3-star hotel. In them, prisoners are in comfortable cells, can play tennis, watch TV, take advanced training courses, and so on. Let's take a look at the 10 most comfortable prisons in the world.





Cebu Prison, Philippines

Cebu Jail in the Philippines is known for providing the best fun and creative activities for inmates. Each prisoner must participate in various musical acts, singing or dancing. When they perform in front of an audience, their performances are broadcast on television, and sometimes prisoners even sign autographs after their performances.

Prison in Halden, Norway



Halden Prison is considered one of the most humane prisons in the world. It is surrounded by a lot of greenery and natural light. Prisoners live in comfortable conditions, use a recreation room with a TV and video games, take optional advanced training classes and visit a fully equipped gym.

Prison in Sollentuna, Sweden



The prison in the Swedish commune of Sollentuna is a correctional facility in which prisoners are kept in separate cells. They have comfortable beds, private bathrooms, a fully equipped gym, an open kitchen and a lounge with a TV and sofa. The prison also received a BREEAM award for its environmental initiatives.

Prison JVA Fuhlsbuettel, Germany



The JVA Fuhlsbuettel prison has repeatedly been criticized for being too lenient in its treatment of prisoners. The institution offers prisoners many amenities: comfortable cells, washing machines, telephone corners where you can call relatives, and more. They even repair the cells of prisoners serving long sentences.

Champ-Dollon Prison, Switzerland



In 2008, the Champ-Dollon prison in Switzerland was the world's most overcrowded prison and was renovated. Now the cells here are designed for a maximum of three people, are comfortably equipped and include a bathroom. Prisoners have time to relax, walk in spacious open areas, and socialize. Many people compare this prison to a university dormitory.

Aranjuez Prison, Spain



This prison is unique in that inmates can live here with their children for the first few years of the infants' lives. The prison has cribs, a children's play area and Disney-themed decorations. This is done in order to preserve families, and to ensure that prisoners spend important years of the child's life next to him.

Justice Center Leoben, Austria

The Leoben Justice Center in Austria is no worse than a hotel. The prison provides each inmate with a separate cell with a kitchenette, private bathroom and TV. The recreation area includes a basketball court, outdoor gym and social space. Criminals who have not committed violence serve their sentences here.

Otago Correctional Facility, New Zealand



At first glance, you wouldn't be able to tell that this institution in New Zealand is a prison. There is a large area, plenty of space for walking and a separate building with cameras. Prisoners are provided with comfortable rooms and have the opportunity to attend advanced training classes such as lighting engineering, cooking and animal husbandry.

HMP Addiewell, Scotland



HMP Addiewell is a Scottish prison with a capacity of 700 prisoners and a strong focus on education. Each prisoner is given 40 hours per week for productive development and various courses.

Bastoy Prison, Norway



This maximum security prison is located on the island of Bastoy in Norway and houses no more than 100 criminals. Prisoners live in small houses and can go horseback riding, fishing, and tennis. There are also large farms where prisoners can work.