The very name Bastei ("bastion") indicates the inclusion of the steep, towering rocks in the old defensive ring around Neurathen Castle. Reaching a height of 305 metres above sea level, the rocks of the Bastei were formed by water erosion over one million years ago.

The Bastei has been a tourist attraction for over than 200 years. In 1824 a wooden bridge was constructed over the deep clefts of the Mardertelle, linking the outer rock shelf of the Bastei with the Steinschleuder and Neurathener Felsentor rocks for the visitors. This bridge was replaced in 1851 by the present Bastei Bridge made of sandstone. That is still standing today. It is 76.5 m long and its seven arches span a ravine 40 m deep. At the end of the 19th century the Bastei finally developed into the main attraction of Saxon Switzerland and today is a place of mass tourism. Between 1975 and 1979 the former inn was replaced by a large, new mountain hotel. Bastei sandstone-city is situated not far from the city of Dresden close to spa town of Rathen, what can be best reached from Dresden by paddle steamer on the river Elbe.

Crossing the Bastei bridge may be reached the Neurathen Castle, the largest rock castle in Saxon Switzerland. The ruins of the castle, rooms carved out of the rock, a cistern and stone shot from a medieval catapult or slingshot may be viewed on a self-conducted circular walk. The finds from excavations in the area, especially pottery, can also be seen as well as the model of the original castle scenery.