The Rothschönberger Stolln and the Active Revierwasserlaufanstalt Freiberg/RWA are among the largest and most important water management systems in Europe. Consisting of a comprehensive network of artificial ditches, florets and ponds, the Active Revierwasserlaufanstalt served from the 16th century to drive the water power machines in the mines, the processing plants and smelters. Established from 1844, the Rothschönberger Stolln is the most important and deepest tunnel in the Freiberg district.
Its construction represents the end point in the worldwide technological development of cross-regional drainage adits.