Berg was born on the Blussuvoll farm in the parish of Strinda in Søndre Trøndhjems amt, Norway.
[1] He graduated as a lawyer in 1795 (during the time of Denmark–Norway) and became an agent with the Danish general post in 1802.
In 1815, he was appointed to the post of County Governor of Nordlands amt.
During his time in office, he was also elected to the Norwegian Parliament in 1815-1817 and 1826, representing the county in which he lived.
During his time as governor, the diplomatic scandal known as the Bodø affair took place.