This article examines the symbolism and function of Switzerland in both The Idiot and The Devils, two of the four major novels by Dostoevsky. Drawing upon Ashimbaeva's discussion of the topic, I will contrast two aspects of Switzerland: the idealistic Switzerland (The Idiot), replete with its biblical associations, and the Switzerland (The Devils), which represents the political radicalism of contemporary Europe. It is Switzerland where Petr Verkhovensky's idea about Stavrogin was conceived, along with Stavrogin's illegitimate son. The tragedy in The Devils can be traced to Switzerland; it was the origin of the catastrophic events. In contrast, the Switzerland of The Idiot serves as the backdrop of Myshkin's characterization, which offers a highly idiosyncratic biography that spells out his quintessential traits. Taken together, I argue that the primary importance of Switzerland in The Idiot lies in the shaping of the protagonist; whereas the Switzerland of The Devils is not only a hotbed of dangerous ideas but also the space where the seeds of the tragedy are sown on the level of the plot development.