Hermetschwil-Staffeln is first mentioned in 1064 as "Hermenswil". In 1390 it was mentioned as "Hermeczwil". The village grew up around Hermetschwil Convent. While the region was under Austrian control, the village was under the authority of the town of Muri. Muri Abbey owned farms, a tavern, the mill, the ferry and the parish church in Hermetschwil. The low court was under the abbot of Muri Abbey, while the high court was under Habsburg control until 1415. After the conquest of Aargau by Bern, Hermetschwil was part of the independent "Krummamt".