The Story of Swissaround
Welcome to Swissaround! I’m Markus Manfredi, a Swiss travel photographer and creator with over 5 million followers.
Known online as Swissaround, I’ve made it my mission to build a blog that not only inspires, but also helps you plan your perfect trip to Switzerland – in a way that’s fun, visual, and full of authentic insider tips.
And if you’ve ever wondered when, where and how to capture Switzerland at its most breathtaking – you’re in the right place.
“No matter how often I visit a place, I always see it with fresh eyes, discovering new beauty and perspectives every time.”
My Mission
As a proud Swiss, my mission with Swissaround is to bring the true beauty of my home country closer to people. Every day I travel, I discover new hotels, hiking trails, and stunning places that I love to share with my community. Capturing breathtaking landscapes through photography and videography and showcasing the incredible diversity of Switzerland always puts a smile on my face.
With the Magical Switzerland Guide, I aim to share not only my favorite spots but also my insider knowledge about Switzerland’s history, the best tips for local cuisine, traditions, and even the language. This guide is designed to help you prepare perfectly for your trip and experience Switzerland from an authentic perspective!
My name is Markus Manfredi, but most people know me as Swissaround. I am the founder and owner of Swissaround and Magical Switzerland Guide. I’m 34 years old, born and raised in Zurich as part of a big and loving family. Since 2018, I’ve been a self-employed photographer based in Switzerland.
My passion for photography began in my childhood, during my time in the Pfadi (Boy Scouts), where I discovered the beauty of Swiss nature. Armed with the basic cell phones of that time, I was the only one in my circle who took pictures of landscapes. Back then, no one understood my fascination—it was a time before Instagram or TikTok, when Facebook was the “Instagram” of its era.
In 2013, I received my first DSLR camera from Canon, which was as expensive as a car back then. My first subjects were flowers and animals, as I was captivated by macro photography and wanted to see the smallest details up close. Since then, I have honed my skills in photography and videography through practice, internet tutorials, and trial and error—because practice truly makes perfect. Perhaps a bit of talent runs in the family, as my mother also had a passion for photography.
Initially, I trained in the creative construction field, as office work wasn’t my thing at all. I began an apprenticeship as a tinsmith—often called a “metal artist on the roof.” After completing my apprenticeship, I realized that I was drifting further away from my true passion for photography. So in 2018, I decided to follow my heart, start my own business as a photographer, and share my work on social media.
From hobby to profession 2018 was the start of Swissaround. In the beginning, it was all about photos, as reels and videos weren’t yet a trend on social media. Since then, I’ve been traveling through Switzerland as a freelance photographer, showcasing stunning hotels, breathtaking hiking trails, and the most beautiful places my home country has to offer. My goal has always been to make Switzerland more appealing to travelers. Today, I’m proud to collaborate with various tourism industries to bring this vision to life.
In 2020, after working closely with social media managers, I realized that combining my passion for photography with expertise in social media management would be the perfect career path. I pursued specialized training in social media management, which allowed me to establish myself in this field. By pairing photography with social media strategy, I bring unique expertise in nature, landscapes, and online storytelling—a combination that’s hard to beat.
2022 was a milestone year for me. Starting with around 180,000 followers, my community grew beyond my wildest dreams, reaching over 2.9 million followers by January 2025. It’s something I could never have imagined, even in my deepest dreams. For those who believe growth is no longer possible, I’m living proof that success is still achievable. This year, my focus shifted to videos and reels, as photos alone no longer define the future of social media.
With love,
Markus Manfredi aka Swissaround
Contact Me
Whether you're looking to collaborate, start a new project, or need professional photography services, I'm here to help.
Let's create something extraordinary together.
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