Helsinki Jail Hotel Review! Spending the Night at Hotel Katajanokka

This is an account of the time we stayed in a Helsinki jail hotel during our trip to Finland. Read on for a review of the jail cells turned hotel bedrooms, our experience eating at the Jailbird Restaurant, and the strange stories we heard about the inmates at this former prison!

“What was that? Did you hear that noise?”

The mysterious sound woke me up from my sleep and I sat up in bed in a confused state as I tried to figure out its origins.

Sam, who had his headphones on, looked at me with skepticism, “what are you talking about?”

“That noise. There it is again!”

And that’s when I realized that it was just the sound of the water pipes in the bathroom…

Staying in the Helsinki Jail Hotel Review: Did I Just Spend The Night In Prison?

I recently spent the night in the famed Helsinki jail hotel in Finland.

Hotel Katajanokka is located in Helsinki and it was used as a prison up until a little over a decade ago.

It was only in 2002 that the prison finally closed its doors due to the fact that the facilities no longer met the requirements of a modern correctional facility.

Since no one wanted to see such a historic building fall to ruin, it was decided that the structure would be repurposed as a hotel, and so Hotel Katajanokka was born drawing guests looking for a rather unique stay.

What’s it like inside the Helsinki Jail Hotel?

The hotel’s interior still looks very much like, well, a prison.

The long corridors and iron railing are very reminiscent of what a modern correctional facility might look like, albeit with brighter paint colours, new carpeting and comfortable furniture to lounge on.

Tour of the Jail Cells or Bedrooms

Thankfully the rooms at Hotel Katajanokka no longer resemble to bare jail cells they once were.

I was greeted with a martini glass filled with Karl Fazer chocolate; not a bad welcome for someone entering the slammer for the first time!

When the building was remodelled, the former jail cells were expanded and given a retro chic makeover with pinstriped carpets, sleek leather sofas, and touches of mustard that give the rooms a much warmer feeling.

Yet in spite of the makeover, there are little subtleties that still remind you that this was once a prison. Maybe it’s the high out of reach windows from which the sunlight streams in, maybe it’s the touches of black, maybe it’s the stripes on the carpet – or it could just be a combination of all of these things.

The impenetrable walls which were supposed to keep prisoners from escaping mean you are able to get a good night’s sleep (you won’t hear a peep from the next door guests), but the receptionist also warned us that it might block the Wi-fi signals in some of the rooms. (I didn’t have any issues with this, but they do offer a cable that you can hook up to your computer if you’re having connectivity issues.)

Prison Food at the Jailbird Restaurant

Breakfast was served in the basement in a dimly lit setting with exposed brick walls.

I very much felt like a convict as I picked up my metal plate and tin cup in the mornings, but once I approached the buffet table and saw the plethora of food options, I was quickly reminded that I was in fact a guest at a 4 star hotel.

The breakfast buffet at the Jailbird Restaurant included a decidedly Finnish menu of Karelian pastries (a thin crust rye pastry filled with either potato or rice), meatballs and sausages, muesli with yogurt and an assortment of fresh berries, porridge and cereals, cheese and deli meats, freshly baked croissants and black rye bread.

When it came to beverages, there were fruit juices, herbal teas, lattes and cappuccinos.

Nothing said prison food about any of the items on this very extensive breakfast menu.

After my stay at the hotel, I came back again (they couldn’t keep me away!) to eat at the Jailyard Terrace which is open during the summer months.

I sampled some of the local Finnish beers and I also tried the Roast of Reindeer with Cranberry Compote. The dish was an appetizer which consisted of thin deli slices of reindeer meat, served with mashed potatoes, cranberries, and a tangy vinagrette.

While I may not be a convert when it comes to eating reindeer, I did enjoy the outdoor setting; and that’s yet another reason to come here – live music on the terrace.

It was 70s classic rock songs the day I was there, and the musician really had the crowd going!

If the prison walls could speak…

One of the stories that I learned at Hotel Katajanokka was that in 1946 a very creative tunnel was uncovered.

It turns out that the male prisoners had spent several weeks digging a passage that began in the third floor of the men’s common room, however, their path did not lead to freedom outside the prison walls, rather to jail cell #13 which held the women!

Well, well…good use of your time boys.

The Prisoner Experience

Hotel Katajanokka is quite popular with stag and hen parties, and the hotel offer a number of special party packages including one entitled Prison Break, where guests dress up in striped suits and then work together as a team to escape the prison grounds without being spotted by the guard.

I didn’t take part in this since it would obviously involve coming with a large group of friends and booking ahead of time, however, I think it sounds like a fun experience to check out in Helsinki!

Hotel Katajanokka
Merikasarminkatu 1
00160 Helsinki, Finland
+358 9 686450

How to Plan (and Maximize!) a Night at Helsinki’s Jail Hotel

Why This Prison Stay Works (Comfort Meets Character)

• Heritage you can feel: vaulted corridors, iron railings, thick walls, original brickwork.
• Modern creature comforts: plush beds, excellent soundproofing, solid Finnish breakfast, summer terrace.
• Story factor: every corner whispers a chapter of Helsinki’s past (including that infamous tunnel to Cell #13—naughty, naughty).

Choosing Your “Cell”: Rooms, Views & Vibes

Not all ex-cells are created equal. Here’s how to pick the right one for your kind of stay.

Room Types at a Glance

Food Behind Bars: Breakfasts, Beers & The Jailyard

Breakfast at Jailbird (Basement Level)

Expect an unapologetically Finnish spread:

• Savories: Karelian pies (try them with egg butter!), sausages, meatballs, cheeses, smoky deli meats.
• Carb heaven: black rye bread, warm croissants, muesli, porridge.
• The good stuff: yogurt with berries, fruit juices, proper coffee, lattes, cappuccinos.

Summer Only: The Jailyard Terrace

• What to order: a Finnish craft beer and a small plate (yes, reindeer appears; it’s thinly sliced and savory).
• What to expect: live music on warm evenings, brick walls radiating golden-hour light, a very happy patio crowd.

Getting There (Without a Police Escort)

Hotel Katajanokka sits on the Katajanokka island—minutes from Market Square but peaceful enough to hear the gulls.

Easiest Ways In

What’s Nearby (Walkable Wonders on Katajanokka)

You’re sleeping in a time capsule, but the neighborhood is an open-air museum:

• Uspenski Cathedral: that red-brick beauty with onion domes; wander up for city views.
• Allas Sea Pool: saunas + heated outdoor pools overlooking the harbor. Yes, even in winter. Especially in winter.
• Market Square (Kauppatori): salmon soup, fresh berries, cinnamon buns, archipelago bread; ferry hub for island day trips.
• Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: hop the public ferry for ramparts, museums, and picnic lawns on a UNESCO-listed archipelago.
• Art Nouveau facades: Katajanokka is a treasure trove of Jugendstil architecture—look up as you wander.

The Perfect Katajanokka Day (No Handcuffs Required)

Morning

• Slow wake-up under lofty ceilings, then breakfast at Jailbird.
• Stroll to Uspenski Cathedral for city views and bell tower selfies.
• Head to the Market Square; grab a cinnamon roll and hop the ferry to Suomenlinna.

Afternoon

• Picnic on Suomenlinna (or a cozy café lunch), wander island lanes.
• Return for a sauna + swim at Allas Sea Pool (the contrast therapy you didn’t know you needed).
• Back to your room to freshen up, sip tea, and peek at the prison corridor from a lounge chair.

Evening

• Dinner: stay on-site or pop to the Design District for Nordic plates.
• Nightcap on the Jailyard Terrace (summer) or under the warm glow of the lobby lamps (winter).
• Optional: a ghost-free midnight corridor stroll to admire the railings and shadows. It’s a vibe.

Best Time to Check In (Season by Season)

Mini Packing List for a Helsinki Jail Stay

• Layers: weather changes quickly, even on short walks
• Good shoes: cobbles + potential ice in winter
• Swimsuit: saunas, pools, yes… Baltic dips!
• Portable charger: you’ll photograph more than you think
• Eye mask: if high windows make you light-sensitive at dawn

Helsinki Jail Hotel FAQ (12 Questions & Answers)

Is Hotel Katajanokka a real former prison?

Absolutely. The building served as a functioning prison until the early 2000s, when it was repurposed into a hotel that preserves many original architectural elements while upgrading everything a modern traveller needs.

Is it spooky or haunted?

Only if water pipes count as ghosts! The vibe is atmospheric rather than eerie—soft lighting, thick walls, and lots of character. I slept like a baby (who’d done a lot of sightseeing).

How far is it from central Helsinki and the airport?

From the Central Railway Station, it’s a short Tram #4 ride straight to Katajanokka. From the airport, take the I/P train to Central, switch to Tram #4, or grab a taxi if you’re arriving very late.

Can non-guests visit the restaurant or terrace?

Yes. Jailbird Restaurant (breakfast for guests, later meals as posted) and the Jailyard Terrace (summer) welcome visitors. It’s a fun place for a beer and a peek at the old walls.

Is breakfast included?

It depends on your booking. Some rates include breakfast, others don’t. Check your confirmation; adding it on arrival is usually possible.

Is the hotel accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. There are elevators, step-free routes, and adapted rooms. As with any heritage building, specifics matter; mention your needs when booking so the team can assign the best room.

What about Wi-Fi and mobile signal in those thick walls?

Wi-Fi is strong in common areas and generally reliable in rooms, but the old masonry can muffle signal. The front desk can lend you a cable for a guaranteed connection.

Can I see original cells or take a history tour?

Rooms are refurbished (and much larger than the original cells), but corridors and some structural details remain. Ask staff for the best heritage nooks; sometimes small exhibits or information panels are on display.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes. Family rooms/interconnecting options exist, corridors accommodate strollers, and the ferry to Suomenlinna is a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Breakfast also passes the picky-eater test.

What should I budget for meals on-site?

Prices vary seasonally and by menu, but think mid-range hotel dining. You’re in easy walking distance of Market Square and central cafés for more budget-friendly bites, too.

Is there parking?

There is typically on-site or nearby paid parking; policies change, so confirm current details with the hotel before arrival if you’re self-driving.

What’s one thing you shouldn’t skip nearby?

Allas Sea Pool for a steamy sauna + city-view swim, then a ferry to Suomenlinna. Return for a Jailyard drink at sunset and call it the perfect Katajanokka day.

Have you ever stayed in a strange or unique hotel?
Would you stay at the Helsinki jail hotel?

Many thanks to Hotel Katajanokka for hosting me during my stay. I received a discount in exchange for a review.