By Alex Peery, UW News Lab student

Doug Miner is one of many Norwegian-Americans living in Seattle but he knew very little about his heritage until he was cast in a reality TV program.

“I literally knew lefse, Oslo and uff-da before I went on this show,” Miner said. “It was a history lesson, sight-seeing tour, competition and meeting family all in one trip.”

Miner was one of 10 contestants on “Alt for Norge”, a Norwegian reality TV show which casted Norwegian-Americans from all over the U.S. to compete in various activities throughout Norway. The winner received $50,000 and a chance to visit with family.

“The show is similar to ‘The Amazing Race' in the fact that we traveled every week and did locally traditional challenges,” explained Miner. “We just never left Norway.”

The contestants faced numerous challenges. They were usually split into two groups, and the losing team had to face an additional elimination round.

The show aired in Norway last year but Seattle residents can watch it every Sunday evening at 8 p.m. at The Lobby Bar in Capitol Hill.

The Sunday “Alt for Norge” evening is organized and promoted by Erik Witzoe, a Ballardite of Norwegian descent who advocates for the importance of cultural heritage throughout Seattle.

“My whole new movement, especially being based in Ballard, is to kind of take projects like these and do an outreach to the community, or the younger ethnic … Scandinavians that wouldn't necessarily go to a Sons of Norway lutefisk feed,” he said.

Witzoe also started the Syttende Gay event and has plans to launch another program called Discover Leif.

Despite being set in Norway, “Alt for Norge” is accessible to just about anyone in the U.S., Witzoe said, estimating that 90 percent of the program is in English.

“Although we are in Norway, it's a universally enjoyable show,” added Miner. “They made the show into a light-hearted, funny, touching journey of us Americans fumbling our way through Norway.”

Miner and the other contestants can be seen on “Alt for Norge” at 8 p.m. at The Lobby Bar until May 15. The bar is located at 916 E. Pike St.