Urnersee is a glacial alpine lake located in central Switzerland, forming the northern section of Lake Uri in the Uri Alps region. The spot features a west-facing shoreline with dense forest coverage and steep mountainous terrain rising from the water. A residential settlement with associated infrastructure sits along the southern shore, creating moderate human activity.
This location is characterized by very weak and unreliable wind conditions (4.0 knots average, 1.2% reliability), making it marginal for consistent kitesurfing. The narrow lake geometry and surrounding mountains limit wind fetch and create variable, gusty conditions typical of alpine valleys. The cold water (averaging 12.7°C) requires thick wetsuits year-round.
The spot suits only exploratory sessions during favorable weather windows, appealing to adventurous kiters seeking scenic alpine experiences rather than reliable sessions. The protected bay-like configuration and low wind energy make this better suited for other water sports. Kiters should be prepared for extremely inconsistent conditions and plan visits during rare high-pressure systems that drive north winds across the valley.