diff --git a/src/karapace/config.py b/src/karapace/config.py
index 0dd811d92..710e94251 100644
--- a/src/karapace/config.py
+++ b/src/karapace/config.py
@@ -27,13 +27,22 @@ class KarapaceTags(BaseModel):
     app: str = "Karapace"
 
 
+OTEL_VERSION = ""
+try:
+    from opentelemetry import version as otel_version
+
+    OTEL_VERSION = otel_version.__version__
+except:
+    pass
+
+
 class KarapaceTelemetry(BaseModel):
     otel_endpoint_url: str | None = None
     resource_service_name: str = "karapace"
     resource_service_instance_id: str = "karapace"
     resource_telemetry_sdk_name: str = "opentelemetry"
     resource_telemetry_sdk_language: str = "python"
-    resource_telemetry_sdk_version: str = "1.27.0"
+    resource_telemetry_sdk_version: str = OTEL_VERSION
 
 
 class Config(BaseSettings):