It was founded in 983 by Bishop Gebhard of Constance, and settled from Einsiedeln Abbey. Under Abbot Theodoric (1086 - 1116), the Hirsau Reforms were introduced. Because it sided with the papacy in the Investiture Controversy, the abbey was closed between 1103 and 1106. In 1159 it burnt down, and was rebuilt and extended between 1162 and 1180. Under Emperor Frederick II it became "reichsfrei" (territorially independent). The abbey however declined during the 13th and 14th centuries and suffered during the Reformation.