The Top 13 Nicest Prisons In The World For Inmates

Published Sept. 21, 2023

For the most part, prisons are horrible places to be in. Aside from being dangerous, they’re also generally sad. Having to deal with bad living conditions, indignity, and inedible food is part of the daily life of most of the world’s inmates.

With that being said, not all prisons are decrepit places. Some of them have even been called luxurious. Although I would not go as far as to make the same statement, some prisons don’t seem all that bad. 

For one, they house inmates in decent quarters and primarily focus on their reintegration back into society through educational programs. In this article, we’ll discuss the 13 nicest prisons in the world and why they are dubbed as such.

The Best Prisons In The World

Be prepared, as the entries on this list will surprise you. With that said, almost all of the prisons we’ll be talking about are located in countries that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, there’s one prison that stands out because of several factors you’ll learn about below:

1. Bastoy Prison – Norway

Bastoy Prison was once called the “Devil’s Island” for good reason. It was initially Norway’s go-to facility for male youths who committed various crimes. 

In the recent past, the concept of prison reform was still in its infancy. As a result, many human rights atrocities were committed there until word of the happenings on the island got out. From then on, the Norwegian government turned the facility into one of the best jails in the world.

People who are sentenced to Bastoy have a relatively easy life. Each has access to various educational, vocational, and recreational programs.

Located on an island, Bastoy Prison offers a unique natural environment. This promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being. Inmates have access to outdoor spaces, including forests and beaches. All of these can contribute to their mental and emotional well-being.                                 

2. HMP Addiewell – Scotland

The United Kingdom has many prisons; however, the best one has got to be HMP Addiewell in Scotland. Interestingly, the facility has officially been dubbed a “learning prison”; thus, each inmate is allotted 40 hours a week of skill acquisition for rehabilitation’s sake.

Violence in HMP Addiewell is nonexistent. Furthermore, inmates there are placed in cells with colorful walls, and there’s a lot of natural sunlight. As such, many who’ve served time inside the prison’s walls have stated that staying there is like staying in a university dorm.

The staff at HMP Addiewell plays a crucial role in creating a positive and rehabilitative atmosphere. They are trained to guide, support, and encourage the inmates. They help them navigate their paths toward rehabilitation. 

Lastly, when not working or engaging in learning programs, the inmates of HMP Addiewell have access to many recreational activities. For example, they can watch television, listen to music, exercise, or partake in various sporting activities with their fellow inmates.

3. Otago Corrections Facility – New Zealand

Any conversation about the best prisons in the world would be incomplete without mentioning New Zealand’s Otago Corrections Facility. The reason is that even if the prison remains strict with security, it does focus heavily on rehabilitating its inmates.

Otago Corrections Facility is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in its practices. They actively seek partnerships with organizations to provide graphic design training. This demonstrates a dedication to expanding the opportunities available to inmates. It is also an exploration of new approaches to rehabilitation. 

The facility has decent inmate housing like the other facilities on this list. Also, it doesn’t have a history of violence, meaning it’s very safe to be housed there.

One final thing I’d like to mention is that Otago Corrections Facility offers many classes. Inmates can engage in everything from dairy farming to light engineering, meaning they’ll get bored during the day as they’ll have something to keep them occupied.

4. Justice Center Leoben – Austria

Tucked away somewhere in the alpine country of Austria is Justice Center Leoben – a place many say is the nicest prison in the world. Some have even claimed the prison is akin to a hotel.

The staff at Justice Center Leoben are known for their professionalism and commitment to inmate well-being. They provide guidance, support, and counseling. These help inmates address their underlying issues and positively change their lives. 

All inmates in Justice Center Leoben have committed non-violent crimes. Due to that, they are treated exceptionally well. Every inmate lives in a one-person cell with a bathroom, kitchenette, and television. In addition, all of these cells are lit with natural sunlight.

Of course, Justice Center Leoben offers a plethora of recreational activities. For instance, the facility has a gym, basketball court, and outdoor area for general recreation. Besides that, all inmates can access decent meals, which are unavailable in many of the world’s prisons. 

5. Aranjuez Prison – Spain

When people get incarcerated, they’re often separated from their families. Because of that, their children spend their formative years without the guidance provided by their father or mother.

The Aranjuez Prison in Spain was established to alleviate this problem. It allows kids until they are 5 to live with their moms and dads while they’re in prison. As such, the children won’t have to deal with the issues of growing up in a broken family.

As you might’ve guessed, Arjuanez Prison only houses non-violent offenders. Furthermore, it is also equipped with many child-friendly facilities and amenities like cribs and a playroom.

6. Champ-Dollon Prison – Switzerland

Switzerland is a country that’s famed for its liberality and progressiveness. Thus, it’s natural that the country is home to one of the best prisons in the world.

Champ-Dollon Prison fosters collaboration among various stakeholders. This includes prison staff, social workers, psychologists, and external organizations. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that inmates receive the comprehensive support that they need. This will promote their rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

It was once notoriously overcrowded. This changed when the Swiss authorities decided to take prison rehabilitation rather than punishment more seriously.

Since then, the facility has been completely remodeled. It now boasts some of the best prison cells in the world. Furthermore, its inmates live comfortably in complete safety.

7. JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison – Germany

JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison near Hamburg is where those with long sentences are brought to. In this aspect, it differs from most prisons, which house non-violent inmates with short sentences.     

Those serving time in JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison should consider themselves lucky as the facility is among the best prisons in the world. Its cells have private shower facilities, lots of space, and natural light. Meanwhile, the prison has a range of terrific amenities, including a recreation room and laundry machines.

Another thing about JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison is that it has a ton of educational and vocational programs. If anything, this shouldn’t be surprising, given that the facility prioritizes rehabilitation.