The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6 to 22, and if you’re in Germany, you’re in luck: ARD, ZDF, and Discovery+ will stream hundreds of hours of Olympic coverage in German for free or at low cost. But what if you’re traveling during the Games? Or you prefer English commentary? Or you want to watch every event, not just highlights?
This guide shows you exactly how to watch the Winter Olympics 2026 in Germany, or while traveling abroad with or without cable, in German or English, on any device.
Quick Guide: How to Watch the Winter Olympics in Germany
| Where | How to Watch | VPN Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Inside Germany | ARD & ZDF (free), Discovery+ (€3.99/mo), Joyn+, Sky | ❌ No |
| 🌍 Abroad (DE IP) | Use VPN to access ARD/ZDF/Discovery+ from anywhere | ✅ Yes |
| 🇬🇧 From Germany | Use VPN → connect to UK → stream via BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes |
| 🇺🇸 From Germany | Use VPN → US server → stream on Peacock Premium | ✅ Yes |
How to Watch the Winter Olympics for Free in Germany
If you’re based in Germany, you don’t need to pay a cent to watch major Olympic events:
1) ARD & ZDF Mediathek
- Available via TV, browser, mobile app, Smart TVs
- German commentary
- Includes Opening Ceremony, daily highlights, and live events
2) Discovery+ (Germany)
- Price: €3.99/month
- Offers complete event coverage, more than 2,000 hours
- Includes both German and English audio tracks
Want every single heat, every camera angle, every medal ceremony? Discovery+ is your best bet.
Traveling Outside Germany During the Games?
ARD, ZDF, and Discovery+ are geo-blocked outside Germany. If you’re on holiday or a business trip during the Olympics, you’ll run into errors like:
“Dieser Inhalt ist in Ihrem Land nicht verfügbar”
✅ The Fix: Use a VPN
A VPN lets you connect to a German server and makes it look like you’re browsing from home. That way, you can watch ARD/ZDF just like in Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich.
Best VPNs to Stream the Olympics from Abroad
| VPN | Works With | Best Feature | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ARD, ZDF, Discovery+, BBC | 420+ German servers, fastest | 77% off + 3 months free |
| Surfshark | All platforms | Unlimited devices | 86% off + 2 months free |
| ExpressVPN | BBC, Peacock | Obfuscated servers, stable HD | 78% off 24-month plan |
All of these VPNs come with a 30-day money-back guarantee—perfect if you just need them during the Games.
Step-by-Step: How to Stream Olympics from Germany (or Abroad)
👉 If You’re in Germany:
- Turn on your Smart TV or go to ARD/ZDF Mediathek online
- No sign-up required for public broadcasters
- Want all events? Subscribe to Discovery+ (€3.99/mo)
- Done enjoy the Games!
👉 If You’re Outside Germany:
- Download and install NordVPN (or similar)
- Connect to a German server
- Head to zdf.de, ard.de, or Discovery+
- Stream Olympic events as if you never left home
👉 Want English commentary?
- Open VPN app, switch to a UK server
- Go to bbc.co.uk/iplayer
- Stream Olympic events with English-language coverage
Olympic Highlights for German Viewers (CET)
Here are some key dates and events to mark on your calendar:
| Date | Event | Time (CET) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 6 | Opening Ceremony (San Siro) | 20:00 |
| Feb 7 | Men’s Big Air Final (Snowboarding) | 19:30 |
| Feb 8 | Women’s PGS Finals (Snowboarding) | Morning |
| Feb 11 | Halfpipe Qualifiers (Men/Women) | All Day |
| Feb 13 | Women’s Snowboard Cross Finals | 10:00 |
| Feb 18 | Men’s Slopestyle Final | 12:30 |
| Feb 22 | Closing Ceremony | Evening |
Full schedule available via ARD/ZDF and Discovery+ Olympic Hubs.
Why a VPN Helps (Even Inside Germany)
Even if you’re not traveling, a VPN can still be useful:
- Unblocks English commentary on BBC or Peacock
- Adds privacy while streaming (encrypted connection)
- Prevents ISP throttling on HD streams
Bonus: most VPNs let you use up to 5–10 devices at once.
❌ Common Errors & Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| “Content not available in your country” | Use VPN → Germany server |
| VPN detected by ZDF | Switch to different server or use obfuscated mode |
| Slow stream / buffering | Use Ethernet, close other apps, try NordLynx |
| App not working on Smart TV | Use Smart DNS or cast from mobile device |
Want to Watch the Olympics in English?
Easy. Here’s what you need to do in Germany:
- Use a VPN and connect to the UK
- Stream via BBC iPlayer for free
- Or connect to the US and use Peacock Premium (paid)
This combo gives you the best of both worlds German news + English analysis + full coverage.
Final Tips Before the Games Start
- Set up your VPN and test it before February 6
- Register for free on BBC iPlayer, CBC Gem, or 9Now (postcodes like “SW1A 1AA” work)
- Don’t rely only on one stream—have 2–3 options ready
- Use mobile apps when browser version fails (e.g., BBC)
FAQ: Winter Olympics in Germany
Can I watch the Olympics in Germany for free?
Yes. ARD and ZDF will stream the major events for free nationwide.
Can I watch Discovery+ in English in Germany?
Yes—just switch the language in the Discovery+ player settings.
Do I need a VPN inside Germany?
Not for ARD/ZDF. But you will if you want access to foreign commentary or broader coverage.
Which VPN is best for ARD/ZDF?
NordVPN and Surfshark are the most stable and consistent for German platforms.
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