Härlanda fängelse, Architectural ensemble in Gothenburg Municipality, Sweden
Härlanda fängelse is a three-story prison complex in Gothenburg with a cross-shaped floor plan where residential cell wings intersect the main longitudinal section. The entire site is now occupied by municipal offices and cultural facilities housed in different parts of the buildings.
The complex was designed by architect Gustaf Lindgren and opened in 1907 to house roughly 170 inmates. Capacity expanded to around 300 by the 1950s before the facility closed in 1997.
The Kulturhuset Kåken has occupied the former prison carpentry workshop since 2007 and brings together two libraries in one shared space. The location now serves as a gathering point where visitors encounter cultural programs and exhibitions throughout the year.
The site houses various public services and is open for cultural events such as concerts and festivals. Visitors should note that accessibility and opening times may vary depending on the activities scheduled.
The grounds were renamed Härlanda Park in 2011 and preserve five smaller buildings from 1912 that originally housed staff members. A sports facility on the property highlights the shift from a restrictive institution to a public space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
