14 Best Prisons in the World to Serve Time

When people think of prisons, harsh conditions and strict environments often come to mind. 

However, some prisons around the world focus on rehabilitation and humane treatment. 

These prisons are some of the best prisons in the world. 

These facilities aim to create better environments for inmates, helping them reintegrate into society. 

Here, we explore 14 of the best prisons to serve time, where the focus is on rehabilitation and dignity.

Aranjuez Prison, Spain

Aranjuez Prison in Spain stands out for its family-friendly approach, making it one of the best prisons globally. 

Unique to this facility are its special units where inmates can live with their children. 

This helps maintain crucial family bonds and aids in the emotional well-being of both parents and children. 

The prison also provides educational programs and childcare facilities, ensuring that children continue their education and development while their parents serve time. 

By fostering a supportive and humane environment, Aranjuez Prison helps inmates focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. 

This approach significantly improves the chances of successful reintegration post-release, demonstrating the positive impact of family-centred rehabilitation.

Bastoy Bay, Norway

Bastoy Bay in Norway is renowned for its humane approach and focus on rehabilitation, making it one of the best prisons in the world. 

Situated on an island, this minimum-security prison operates like a small, self-sufficient community. 

Inmates engage in various activities such as farming, fishing, and maintenance work, promoting responsibility and self-reliance. 

The prison emphasises education, skill development, and therapy, preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society. 

The humane conditions and respectful treatment of inmates help reduce reoffending rates significantly. 

Bastoy Bay’s approach reflects the belief that rehabilitation and dignity can transform lives, making it a model for progressive prison systems worldwide.

Cebu Prison, Philippines

Cebu Prison in the Philippines is known for its unique and effective rehabilitation programs, making it one of the best prisons in the world. 

The prison gained international attention for its inmate dance program, where prisoners perform choreographed routines that promote discipline and teamwork. 

This innovative approach not only helps improve the physical and mental health of inmates but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. 

Additionally, Cebu Prison offers educational and vocational training programs, equipping inmates with valuable skills for their future reintegration into society. 

The focus on creative and constructive activities has transformed the prison environment, making it a model for rehabilitation-focused incarceration. 

By emphasising personal development and skill acquisition, Cebu Prison provides inmates with the tools they need to lead productive lives after release, significantly reducing recidivism rates.

Champ-Dollon Prison, Switzerland

Champ-Dollon Prison in Switzerland is considered one of the best prisons due to its humane conditions and rehabilitation focus. 

The prison offers modern facilities, including well-ventilated and spacious cells, ensuring a comfortable living environment for inmates. 

Champ-Dollon prioritises rehabilitation by providing extensive educational and vocational training programs. 

Inmates have access to classes, workshops, and recreational activities that promote personal development and skill acquisition. 

The prison staff emphasises respect and dignity in their interactions with inmates, fostering a supportive atmosphere. 

This approach helps reduce recidivism rates and prepares inmates for successful reintegration into society. 

Champ-Dollon Prison’s commitment to humane treatment and rehabilitation makes it a model facility in the correctional system.

FCI Morgantown, USA

FCI Morgantown, located in West Virginia, USA, is considered one of the best prisons due to its focus on rehabilitation and low-security environment. 

This federal correctional institution is designed for non-violent offenders and emphasises educational and vocational training programs. 

Inmates have access to various courses, including GED classes, college-level courses, and vocational training in trades like carpentry and electrical work.

The facility also focused on mental and physical health, providing comprehensive medical care and recreational activities. 

The prison’s environment encourages personal development and responsibility, with a structured yet supportive approach. 

By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, FCI Morgantown aims to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. 

This progressive approach and commitment to inmate well-being make FCI Morgantown one of the most respected correctional facilities in the world.

FPC Alderson, USA

FPC Alderson, located in West Virginia, USA, is known for its humane and rehabilitative approach, making it one of the best prisons in the world. 

This minimum-security federal prison camp for women emphasises education, vocational training, and personal development. 

Inmates have access to a variety of educational programs, including GED classes, college courses, and vocational training in fields such as horticulture and culinary arts.

The facility also provides comprehensive medical care, mental health services, and substance abuse programs, ensuring holistic care for its inmates. 

Recreational activities and wellness programs help maintain physical health and morale. 

FPC Alderson’s environment fosters a sense of community and responsibility, preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society. 

The emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and humane treatment at FPC Alderson contributes significantly to its reputation as a model correctional facility.

Halden Prison, Norway

Halden Prison in Norway is considered one of the best prisons in the world due to its progressive approach to incarceration. 

The prison focuses on rehabilitation and humane treatment, with the aim of reducing recidivism. 

Inmates live in private, well-furnished cells with en-suite bathrooms, and have access to a range of amenities, including a gym, library, and music studio.

Halden emphasises education and skill development, offering various vocational programs and courses to help inmates prepare for life after release. 

The prison staff, trained in conflict resolution and communication, work closely with inmates to provide support and guidance. 

The facility’s design promotes a sense of normalcy and dignity, reducing the stress and negative impacts of incarceration. 

By prioritising rehabilitation and respectful treatment, Halden Prison sets a high standard for correctional facilities worldwide, demonstrating that humane conditions can lead to better outcomes for society.

HMP Addiewell, UK

HMP Addiewell in Scotland, UK, is recognized as one of the best prisons globally due to its focus on rehabilitation and education. 

Operated by a private company under government contract, it is designed to prepare inmates for reintegration into society. 

The prison offers extensive educational programs, vocational training, and work opportunities to help inmates develop useful skills and improve their employability upon release.

Inmates at HMP Addiewell have access to various courses, including basic literacy and numeracy, as well as higher education options. 

The facility also provides comprehensive health care, mental health support, and substance abuse programs, ensuring holistic care for its residents. 

The staff at HMP Addiewell are trained to engage positively with inmates, creating a supportive and respectful environment. 

This emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and humane treatment makes HMP Addiewell a model for correctional facilities around the world.

HMP Berwyn Prison, UK 

HMP Berwyn in Wales, UK, stands out as one of the best prisons globally due to its innovative approach to rehabilitation and inmate welfare. 

Opened in 2017, it is designed to prioritise respect and dignity, offering a modern, humane environment. Inmates live in comfortable, well-equipped rooms rather than traditional cells, fostering a sense of normalcy and responsibility.

The prison focuses heavily on education and vocational training, providing a wide range of courses and work opportunities to enhance skills and improve employability upon release. 

Programs include basic education, vocational certifications, and even higher education courses.

HMP Berwyn also emphasises mental and physical health, offering comprehensive medical care, counselling services, and recreational activities. 

The facility promotes positive interactions between staff and inmates, aiming to create a supportive community atmosphere. 

By focusing on rehabilitation, respect, and personal development, HMP Berwyn sets a high standard for correctional facilities worldwide.

Justice Center Leoben, Austria

Justice Center Leoben in Austria is renowned as one of the best prisons globally due to its focus on dignity, rehabilitation, and humane treatment. 

The facility is architecturally designed to create a positive environment, with spacious, well-lit cells equipped with modern amenities. 

Inmates have access to private bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies, promoting a sense of normalcy and respect.

The centre is focused on rehabilitation through comprehensive educational programs, vocational training, and work opportunities, helping inmates develop skills for successful reintegration into society. 

Additionally, Justice Center Leoben offers extensive mental health support, counselling services, and recreational activities to ensure the well-being of its inmates.

The staff at the facility are trained to engage with inmates in a respectful and supportive manner, fostering a constructive and non-punitive atmosphere. 

This progressive approach to incarceration, prioritising human rights and rehabilitation, makes Justice Center Leoben a model for correctional facilities worldwide.

JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison, Germany

JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison in Germany is considered one of the best prisons in the world due to its emphasis on rehabilitation, humane treatment, and modern facilities. 

Located in Hamburg, this prison offers inmates a dignified living environment with spacious, well-maintained cells that include private bathrooms.

The prison focuses heavily on rehabilitation by providing comprehensive educational programs, vocational training, and work opportunities. 

Inmates can participate in courses that range from basic education to professional skill development, preparing them for successful reintegration into society.

JVA Fuhlsbuettel offers extensive healthcare services, psychological counselling, and recreational activities. 

The staff are trained to treat inmates with respect and support, fostering a positive and non-punitive atmosphere. 

This approach aims to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying issues that lead to criminal behaviour, making JVA Fuhlsbuettel a model for correctional facilities worldwide.

Otago Corrections Facility, New Zealand

Otago Corrections Facility in New Zealand is recognized as one of the best prisons in the world due to its strong focus on rehabilitation and inmate welfare. 

Located near Milton, this facility offers a humane and supportive environment designed to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

The prison provides education and vocational training, providing inmates with opportunities to gain skills in trades like carpentry, engineering, and horticulture. 

These programs aim to improve employability and reduce recidivism rates.

Otago Corrections Facility offers comprehensive healthcare services, counselling, and recreational activities to promote overall well-being.

The staff are trained to interact with inmates in a respectful and supportive manner, fostering a positive atmosphere within the facility. 

By focusing on rehabilitation, skill development, and humane treatment, Otago Corrections Facility sets a high standard for correctional institutions globally.

Pondok Bambu Prison, Indonesia

Pondok Bambu Prison in Indonesia is often highlighted as one of the best prisons due to its unique focus on rehabilitation and inmate welfare. 

Located in Jakarta, this women’s prison is known for its relatively humane conditions and emphasis on personal development.

Inmates at Pondok Bambu have access to a variety of educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities. 

These programs include classes in cooking, sewing, and computer skills, which aim to equip inmates with valuable skills for reintegration into society.

The facility also provides comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health support and counselling, ensuring that inmates receive the care they need. 

Additionally, the prison encourages family visits and maintains a relatively relaxed environment compared to other correctional facilities in the region.

By focusing on rehabilitation, education, and humane treatment, Pondok Bambu Prison demonstrates a progressive approach to incarceration, setting a positive example for other institutions in Indonesia and beyond.

Sollentuna Prison, Sweden

Sollentuna Prison in Sweden is considered one of the best prisons in the world due to its emphasis on humane treatment and rehabilitation. 

Located near Stockholm, this facility is designed to provide inmates with a comfortable, dignified living environment. 

Cells are spacious and well-equipped, featuring private bathrooms and modern furnishings.

The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational training programs aimed at equipping inmates with the skills needed for successful reintegration into society. 

Inmates can take courses in various trades, engage in academic studies, and participate in job training programs.

Sollentuna Prison also prioritises physical and mental health, providing comprehensive healthcare services, psychological counselling, and recreational activities to promote overall well-being. 

The facility’s design and management foster a supportive and respectful atmosphere, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

By prioritising rehabilitation, skill development, and humane conditions, Sollentuna Prison sets a high standard for correctional facilities globally, demonstrating that effective incarceration can be achieved through dignity and support.

Conclusion

That was 14 of the best prisons in the world. 

These 14 prisons demonstrate that humane treatment and rehabilitation are possible within the correctional system. 

By focusing on education, vocational training, and personal development, these facilities help inmates prepare for life after release. 

This approach benefits both the inmates and society, reducing reoffending rates and promoting positive change.