Hæla

Hæla is a small coastal settlement situated in the western region of Iceland, within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Skálastefnir. The village lies on the northern shore of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, approximately fifteen kilometres southeast of the larger town of Ísafjörður. The name derives from the Icelandic word *hæl*, meaning “mouth” or “inlet,” referring to the natural harbour that the settlement occupies.

Historically, Hæla developed as a modest fishing harbour and provided a base for local fishermen exploiting the rich marine resources of the fjord. The settlement’s population has remained small throughout its history; census figures in recent decades have indicated a resident count of fewer than fifty individuals. The economic activities of the community have traditionally focused on small-scale commercial fishing and to a lesser extent on seasonal tourism, with visitors attracted to the scenic beauty and the opportunity to experience rural Icelandic coastal life.

Modern infrastructure in Hæla includes basic residential facilities, a small harbour equipped with a modest quay, and limited public utilities that serve the local population. The community remains largely self-contained, with strong ties to neighboring settlements such as Arnarfjörður and the larger market town of Ísafjörður for commercial and administrative needs. Despite its limited size, Hæla retains a distinct local identity characterized by the enduring traditions of Icelandic maritime culture.