The first evidence of a human settlement near Auw are some Roman era cremation urn burials. The modern municipality of Auw is first mentioned in 924 as "Houva". In 1306 it was mentioned as "Owe". The major landholders in Auw were Muri and Engelberg Abbeys as well as the knightly family of Rüssegg. The rights to low justice was held by the Habsburgs and the Knight of Rüssegg, the high court right was held until 1415 by the Habsburgs. Between 1415-25 the high court right belonged to Lucerne. Then the court rights moved to district of Meienberg.