Vierwaldstättersee – Isleten
Isleten, Switzerland
The Urnersee arm of Lake Lucerne at Isleten is one of Switzerland's most intense wind spots. A thermal N wind blows at 3–4 Bft in normal conditions, but the Föhn from the south can reach 50 knots within minutes. Expert riders only — the combination of gusty conditions, steep terrain, and cold deep water demands full self-sufficiency.
Best months: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November
Wind directions: N, NE, NW
Water: Chop
Bottom: Rock
Sports: Kiting, Windsurf
Local tips
The lake is completely closed from 15 June to 31 August. Season: February to mid-June and September to November. The only legal launch is on the river delta at Isleten. Föhn conditions are extremely dangerous — do not launch if a Föhn is forecast.