In 1970, the Demetz family founded Original Heide in Pontives near Laion. Today, the founder Heinrich, Rosa Demetz, their three children, and several employees work there. The family is passionately dedicated to crafting nativity scenes and figures. Four distinct collections are available: Jerusalem (simple and modern), Immanuel (oriental), Rustika (local/Tyrolean style), and Hannah (classically dressed). Original Heide also includes a nativity museum.

Opened in 2012, the 500 sqm exhibition space showcases around 40 masterpieces by renowned nativity scene artisans from Austria and Italy. Here, you can experience first-hand the artisanship and meticulous detail. In the adjoining shop, you can purchase nativity figures crafted by the family business. There are also other nativity scene exhibitions worth visiting in South Tyrol.

Among them are Maranatha in the Valle Aurina, Stabinger in Sesto in the Upper Val Pusteria, and the Muri-Gries Monastery in Bolzano. Just nine kilometres away, in the Val Gardena valley, you can marvel at the world's largest hand-carved nativity scene.

How to get there: The Nativity Scene Museum Original Heide (Krippenmuseum Original Heide) is located in Pontives-South, approximately 10 kilometres from the main road through the Valle Isarco near Ponte Gardena. Parking is available. Unfortunately, the facility is not barrier-free.