The State Prison in Vridsløselille

The State Prison in Vridsløselille is a prison complex in Albertslund Municipality consisting of yellow brick buildings arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The entire site is enclosed by a tall perimeter wall that defines its boundaries.

The facility was built in 1859 as an improvement house and operated under the Philadelphia system, which required isolation and masked inmates. This rigid system was abandoned in 1924 when modern correctional practices were introduced.

The prison gained recognition through its appearances in the Danish Olsen Gang film series, which was shot here from the 1960s through the 1990s. The entrance became familiar to audiences across Denmark during that era.

The prison closed in 2016 and transformed into an urban development project on the grounds. Visitors can explore the site today, where new residential spaces, cultural venues, and community facilities have been developed.

In 1995, one of Denmark's most spectacular prison breaks occurred here when a backhoe smashed a hole through the outer wall. Thirteen inmates managed to escape through this unexpected breach.

Location: Albertslund Municipality

Official opening: 1859

Part of: Direktoratet for Kriminalforsorgen

Address: Fængselsvej 39, 2620 Albertslund

Website: http://statsfaengslet-vridsloeselille.dk

GPS coordinates: 55.65980,12.34760

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40