My sister Mia and I love spending time outdoors. Today, we are hiking with our parents along the Turelbaach trail—a path that leads through forests, across meadows and past an old castle.

We start in the village and after a while we finally see it between the branches: Turelbaach Castle! It looks like something from a fairy tale, with its towers and bright walls shining in the sunlight.

Dad tells us that the castle was built by a man named Pol Gilson. He did almost everything himself—stone by stone, wood, glass, even the windows. I can hardly believe that someone could create something so large all on their own!

Today, the castle belongs to the municipality of Mertzig. From a distance, the windows look beautifully colourful, and the sunlight makes them glow. We continue to the small footbridge in front of the entrance, admire the castle with its tower and walls, and then enjoy a picnic in the park.

Feeling refreshed and in good spirits, we start our journey back to the village.

In Mertzig we see a sign that says “#Mertzig4all.”

“What does that mean?” asks Mia.

Mum comes closer and reads it with us. “It means: Mertzig for everyone. Everyone should feel welcome here—whether they are young or old, big or small.”

I look around. “For everyone… really everyone?”

“Exactly,” says Mum. “That is called the common good. It means organising things in the village in a way that makes life good for everyone.”

We continue walking and see a large box filled with books in the park.

“Oh, a book box!” I call out as I open the cupboard door. “You can simply take a book here!”

“And you can bring one back too,” adds Mum. “That way, people can share stories.”

Next to it stands a building with open doors. Inside, people are laughing and talking.

“That’s a community centre for clubs and associations,” says Dad. “Groups can meet here, attend courses or do activities together.”

“That sounds wonderful!” exclaims Mia.

“I think Mertzig is like Turelbaach Castle—a place that is there for everyone.”