Berg Palace (Bavaria)

Berg Palace, also known as Schloss Berg, is a palace located in the town of Berg on the eastern shore of Lake Starnberg, south of Munich in Bavaria, Germany.

The palace has a long and complex history, dating back to the medieval era. Originally a small fortified structure, it was transformed into a more elaborate residence in the 17th century. However, its most significant development occurred under the rule of the Wittelsbach dynasty, particularly King Maximilian II of Bavaria and his son, King Ludwig II.

Maximilian II commissioned extensive renovations and expansions in the mid-19th century, transforming the palace into a neo-Gothic style residence. He favored Berg as a summer retreat and often held court there.

Ludwig II, however, is most closely associated with Berg Palace. He significantly altered the landscape surrounding the palace, constructing artificial grottos, including the "Grotto of Venus," inspired by Wagnerian opera. He also used Berg extensively, despite his predilection for more extravagant palaces such as Neuschwanstein.

Tragically, Ludwig II died at Berg Palace in 1886 under mysterious circumstances. After being declared insane, he was placed under medical supervision. On June 13, 1886, he drowned in Lake Starnberg near Berg along with his psychiatrist, Dr. Bernhard von Gudden. A memorial chapel in the palace park commemorates the event.

Today, Berg Palace remains a property of the Wittelsbach family. Parts of the palace and its park are open to the public, offering a glimpse into Bavarian royal history and the life of King Ludwig II. While some sections are still used by the family, the gardens and parts of the palace have been restored and serve as a popular tourist destination. The palace grounds offer stunning views of Lake Starnberg and the surrounding Bavarian Alps.