In 1970, the company Original Heide was founded in Pontives near Laion, where today the entire Demetz family - company founders Heinrich and Rosa with their three children - as well as several employees are active. It is entirely dedicated to the production of Christmas crèches and nativity figurines: There are currently four collections called Jerusalem (simple and modern), Immanuel (oriental), Rustika (regional-traditional) and Hannah (dressed nativity figurines).

Original Heide also includes a Nativity Scene Museum, which displays around 40 masterpieces by the most important nativity scene builders of Austria and Italy. Here, craftsmanship and precise detail work can be admired. It was opened in 2012 on an area of 500 sqm. In 2015, followed the renovation of the small shop where the company's nativity figurines can be purchased. There are three more crib collections in South Tyrol - Maranatha in the Valle Aurina, Stabinger in the Upper Val Pusteria and the Nativity Scene Museum in Bolzano - whereas the world's largest hand-carved nativity scene is located only 9 km away, in the Val Gardena.

And how to reach the Original Heide Nativity Scene Museum - "Krippenmuseum Original Heide" in German, "Musei dei Presepi Original Heide" in Italian? It is located in the south of Pontives, about 10 km from the Isarco Valley state road near Ponte Gardena. Parking possibilities are available.