It was built 1874—1880 as the central prison of Sweden, and was temporary closed down between 1972–1975.

Today the building is being used as a hotel/hostel and museum, as well as to accommodate a folk high school.

The prison is also noted for being the location of the last execution in Sweden, as well as the final confinement of the last prisoner sentenced to execution, prior to the abolition of capital punishment in 1921.

After a few years, the fertile soil had turned the island into a lush garden with a somewhat exotic flora compared to its surroundings, caused by various seeds accidentally brought and spread by the trade and merchant ships from other places and countries that passed by the island.

This peculiarity still persists, and today the island is known as a lush oasis.