Halden, Norway

This prison is no country club. With a capacity of 248-252 inmates, Halden Prison costs over $250 million to build and houses some of Norway's most dangerous criminals. Despite the facility's liberal design, over a third of the population are drug offenders, and violence, though rare, still occurs - especially in the prison's restrictive Unit A. While the government touts Halden's focus on rehabilitation, the tax burden of such lavish accommodations has drawn criticism from conservatives. Ultimately, Halden may appeal to foreign criminals seeking a cushy Norwegian sentence, but for most, the bureaucratic headaches and safety concerns make it a dubious choice.