Halden Prison, Correctional facility in Halden Municipality, Norway
Halden Prison is a maximum-security correctional facility in Halden Municipality, Norway, composed of several buildings spread across forested grounds. The complex combines concrete and steel construction with timber facades and large windows that bring natural light into interior spaces.
King Harald V opened the facility in April 2010 as part of a reform of Norwegian corrections. The concept shifted focus from containment to reintegration through education and work.
Staff members wear no uniforms and cells feature curtains rather than bars, creating an environment closer to a residential community. This design follows the Norwegian principle that loss of freedom should be the only punishment.
The facility is not open to tourist visits but can be toured by professionals with prior approval. The grounds sit in a remote forested area about three kilometers from the center of Halden.
Cells come equipped with flat-screen televisions, desks, and minibars that resemble hotel rooms. Artworks by international artists hang in corridors and common areas, making the surroundings feel more residential.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
