Honestly: Bern isn’t a great city for finding good street art. Therefore the mural at the Monbijou-quarter is a rare and precious gem. Ever since I was a kid I passed the 14 meter high tree bursting through a brick wall whenever I headed for the city.

Nature is claiming back the city – what a powerful image that is. The image was painted by Paul Stämpfli in 1987, way before the world was discussing climate change.

The tree’s reflection in the neighboring glass-and-steel office building makes this piece even more interesting. The reflection was actually anticipated by the architects when the building was designed in 1998.

The building with the mural is the home of CONTACT, a leading institution in implementing the local drug policy. Back in the days when the mural was painted, the organisation spearheaded the de-criminalization of heroin, which over the years became the standard approach in many Swiss cities.

Today, the CONTACT building hosts a fine little Take-Away-Café. Another nearby treat is the excellent La Golosa gelateria, just across the street.

Pro tip: There are some nice little details to be spotted in the mural. Can you find the nuthatch and the lizard?