between the mountains

But we don't see him die as such, and at any rate at this point his actions have affected the relationship between his son and daughter-in-law to the better. And he has experienced happiness while talking to the youths that hitch-hike with him. So I've always read it as a man finding peace with himself after a lifetime or errors.

But yes, the film is sad - just not as sad as other Bergman flicks.