Abstract Adsorption of gases on the surface of all-bcc (Fe/Co)N superlattices drives the in-plane, 90° magnetization rotation of the bulk-like Fe(110) supporting ferromagnet. Both experimental and theoretical results prove that terminating the surface of (Fe/Co)N superlattices either by Co or by Fe switches “ON” or “OFF” the spin orientation sensitivity to adsorption. Results indicate that purely surface limited adsorption processes strongly modify the magnetic anisotropy of the entire (Fe/Co)N superlattice, which acts as a kind of “artificial” surface of the bulky Fe(110) ferromagnet. Such an artificial magnetic surface anisotropy concept not only enhances the surface contribution in classical surface–bulk competition but also provides its additional chemical sensitivity.