The Story of Swissaround

My name is Markus Manfredi, but most people know me as Swissaround. I am the founder and owner of Swissaround and the 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 working as an independent photographer based in Switzerland.

My passion for photography began in my childhood, during my time with the Scouts, where I discovered the beauty of Swiss nature. Armed with the simple cell phones of that era, I was the only one in my circle capturing landscapes. Back then, no one really understood my fascination – it was before Instagram or TikTok, when Facebook was the “Instagram” of its time.

In 2013, I received my first DSLR camera from Canon, which at the time cost as much as a car. My first subjects were flowers and animals, as I was fascinated by macro photography and wanted to see the tiniest details up close. Since then, I have refined my skills in photography and videography through practice, online tutorials, and trial and error – because practice truly makes perfect. Maybe a bit of talent runs in the family, as my mother also had a passion for photography.

At first, I trained in the creative construction field, since office work was never really my thing. I started an apprenticeship as a tinsmith – often referred to as a “metal artist on the roof.” After completing my training, I realized that I had drifted further and further away from my true passion: photography. So in 2018, I decided to follow my heart, become self-employed as a photographer, and start sharing my work on social media.

From Hobby to Profession – 2018 marked the beginning of Swissaround. In the early days, it was all about photos, as reels and videos were not yet a trend on social media. Since then, I’ve been traveling as a freelance photographer across Switzerland, showcasing stunning hotels, breathtaking hiking trails, and the most beautiful places my homeland has to offer. My goal has always been to make Switzerland even more attractive for travelers. Today, I’m proud to collaborate with various tourism boards and companies to bring this vision to life.

In 2020, after working closely with social media managers, I realized that combining my passion for photography with my expertise in social media management would be the perfect career path. I completed a specialized training in social media management, which allowed me to establish myself in this field. By combining photography with social media strategy, I bring unique expertise in nature, landscapes, and online storytelling.

The year 2022 was a milestone for me. My community, which started with around 180,000 followers, grew beyond my wildest dreams and by January 2025 had reached over 2.9 million followers. I could never have imagined this. For those who believe that growth is no longer possible, I am living proof that success is still achievable. In this year, I shifted my focus to videos and reels, as photos alone are no longer the future of social media.

With love,
Markus Manfredi aka Swissaround